Gold Coast, Queensland – South Australian grower Wayne Cornish has been awarded the prestigious AUSVEG Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Awards for Excellence in recognition of his dedication to advancing the Australian vegetable and potato industries. 

Mr Cornish was recognised for a lifetime of invaluable contribution to Australian horticulture with the special award, which was announced by AUSVEG Chairman Geoff Moar at RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast this evening. 

AUSVEG National Marketing Manager Nathan McIntyre said that Mr Cornish deserved to be recognised for his achievements in the Australian vegetable and potato industries, including his role as President of the South Australian Farmers Federation, Vice President of the National Farmers Federation and his role in the establishment of the National Potato Levies.

“Wayne is an outstanding grower who has worked tirelessly on a wide variety of industry issues, representing the interests of not only growers in South Australia, but growers from all over the country,” said Mr McIntrye.

“One of Wayne’s biggest achievements was his work in introducing the research and development levies for potato growers. He was responsible for presenting the benefits of the levies to growers in the lead-up to a vote. As a result of his work, the National Potato Levies now invest in world-leading R&D projects that advance the efficiency and profitability of the Australian potato industry.”

“As a Founding Director of AUSVEG, Wayne played a vital role in the creation of the organisation that continues to be recognised today.”

“Throughout his life, Wayne has worked tirelessly on industry issues above and beyond those affecting his own business and he strives for excellence in his every endeavour. His passion for Australian horticulture is exemplary.”

“After making a substantial contribution to many aspects of Australian horticulture, including the vegetable and potato industries, Wayne is entirely deserving of this Lifetime Achievement Award.”

The 2016 National Awards for Excellence was the capstone event for the 2016 National Horticulture Convention, which incorporated seven industry co-hosts and attracted around 1,500 delegates to RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.

For photographs, or to request an interview with award winners, please contact the AUSVEG media representative below.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Shaun Lindhe, National Manager – Communications, AUSVEG
Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mobile: 0405 977 789, Email: shaun.lindhe@ausveg.com.au