For the 52nd year, propagators from Australia and overseas came together to 'Seek and Share' knowledge of propagation in all its forms. I congratulate the organisers of the International Plant Propagators (IPPS) Conference, "A Breath of Fresh Air,' held in Ballina NSW for presenting an excellent venue and a most informative program. Special thanks to convenor Ray Parker and his team.
As well as the steady hand of years of growing and propagating experience, there was an abundance of youthful enthusiasm showing much promise for the future health of our industry.
Garden City Plastics should be heartily thanked for their continued support of the 'Six Pack'. Attendees at IPPS conferences from 2003 will be familiar with the Six Pack concept. Young horticulturists provide support logistics at the conference in return for uniform, accommodation, and conference extras. IPPS provides opportunities for these young horticulturists to expand their network and learn from a wide range of experts from all over Australia. IPPS Australia also participates in an exchange program with IPPS Southern Africa. This year Nosipho Ndlovu represented Southern Africa, and Josh Taylor represented IPPS Australia in Southern Africa, and both recounted their experiences and impressions gained during their exchanges at the Ballina conference.
Zoe Williams, in discussion with industry stalwart Jane Edmonson, recounted her experiences after receiving a Global Footprints Scholarship in 2022. Zoe is a shining example of why young horticulturists should be actively encouraged to apply for industry programs such as the Six Pack and scholarships such as Global Footprints. These opportunities will open up new horizons for both the horticulturist and their employer, who ever that may be.
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