Chantel Tenace – My experience as Young Leader

The Young Leader Award seeks to recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of individuals in the Australian nursery and garden industry, who display exceptional commitment and passion towards their business, the industry and industry leadership potential.  It is open to all industry employees and employers 35 years of age and under at the close of entries. Past state winners are welcome to enter but past national winners are not eligible.

National Finalists will receive a full complimentary trip to the Nursery & Garden Industry Conference & Exhibition which concludes with the Awards Gala Dinner including economy flights, transfers and accommodation.

As the National Winner you will be awarded the Heather Rumsey Young Leader Award and $1,500 for investment in your future with the industry and required to attend two industry meetings in that year.


“I am very proud to have won the NGIA Heather Rumsey Young Leader Award 2015, and grateful for the opportunities that have come forth as a result of participating in the Awards Program.

These opportunities have included:
• Meeting, associating and developing relationships with other young leaders.
• Delivering a presentation to the NGIA Board and participating at the National Board Meeting.
• Using my enhanced profile to promote my aspirations into the community to build our industry.
• Joining the committee for the National NGI Conference in Adelaide, February 2016.
• Personal and career development through a Leadership Development Program.

In 2014, I established Garden Soirée when I identified through research a need in the market to bring people and gardens together and reconnect people to their local community and garden centre. Furthermore I wanted to make a difference in building a better future for our industry and create clearer pathways for career progression.

Participating and being successful in the NGIA Young Leader Awards for 2015, connected me to a network of industry leaders. It gave me recognition for the work I have done so far and provided
me with opportunities that will assist in progressing my career. I aspire to continually grow as a future leader in our industry to bring new and exciting developments and opportunities forward for our future generations.

In my recent overseas trip, winning the award enabled me to have more credibility when approaching overseas businesses about future personal development and industry
opportunities.

Having participated in the process of the awards program, I have first hand experience of how the process can positively aid in personal and career development. I highly recommend the NGIA Awards program to any individual or business that is keen to make a difference, and grow both on a personal level and within our industry.”

Author: Chantel Tenace