Queensland Garden Expo a real winner

Queensland’s premier gardening event, the Queensland Garden Expo, is officially the best in the state, taking out the Events Award category at the prestigious Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) Queensland Regional Awards of Excellence.

Tourism, Events and Sport Portfolio Councillor Jason OPray said the annual awards recognised excellence, outstanding initiatives and innovation.

“Sunshine Coast Council and the Nursery and Garden Industry Queensland were successful in winning the Events Award category for their joint submission for the Queensland Garden Expo, held at the Nambour Showgrounds each year for the past 30 years,” Cr OPray said.

“The PLA Events Award is designed to recognise the combined effort required to successfully plan, organise and manage effective events.

“Over 31 years, this successful community driven event has generated immense benefits for its supporters, partners, local businesses and the Sunshine Coast region whilst inspiring and creating enthusiasm in the public arena for gardening, parklands and leisure activities.

“A conservative estimate of the 2015 Queensland Garden Expo’s economic benefit for the Sunshine Coast region is $4m. This is an outstanding outcome for an event hosted in a regional hinterland town.”

Queensland Garden Expo Event Manager Marion Beazley said she was very pleased to win this award as a first-time entrant.

“Queensland Garden Expo has a strong focus on promoting gardening as a healthy, active, outdoor pastime and the positive impacts that gardeners of all ages and abilities can make to the environment around them,” she said.

“We do this through a large speaker’s program and a range of demonstrations and displays which Sunshine Coast Council actively participates in.

“The Living Backyard feature staged by council is a highlight for many of our visitors from across Australia.

“This award is great recognition not only for us, but also for the many people who share their knowledge and passion for gardening and the environment through the event.”

Division 10 Councillor Greg Rogerson said the Queensland Garden Expo was recognised as Queensland’s premier gardening event, attracting thousands of people from all over Australia and New Zealand.

“The Queensland Garden Expo has received many accolades from the tourism industry, including winning the Queensland Tourism Award in 2010, and can now add another prestigious win to its list,” Cr Rogerson said.

“Typically events of this scale are held in a city or large centre however this three-day expo is hosted in Nambour, a town with a population of less than 15,000.

“The event, coordinated by a not-for-profit organisation, has evolved over 31 years to deliver a program themed around information, innovation and inspiration.

“The Expo incorporates a diverse program of lectures and demonstrations on eight live stages along with leading nurseries displaying over 40,000 plants for sale each day.

“The 2016 Queensland Garden Expo, to be held from July 8-10 is a ‘must see’ for green thumbs and novice gardeners alike.”

Regional awards winners will all now progress to the national awards to be announced at the Parks and Leisure Australia Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner in Adelaide on October 25.

The Queensland Garden Expo is one of 60 major and regional events that is being staged on the Sunshine Coast this year.

The packed schedule of lifestyle and sporting events will generate about $100m in economic activity and will attract more than 150,000 guests from 40 different countries to the region.

For more information on the 2016 Queensland Garden Expo visit www.qldgardenexpo.com.au.