Advocate success
Strong industry voice honoured with award
MORE than a decade’s dedication to advocacy for the horticulture industry has been recognised with the presentation of the National Awards for Excellence Women in Horticulture Award.
Peak industry body for horticulture, Growcom, congratulated Growcom chief advocate, Rachel Mackenzie who was awarded the top industry award at Hort Connections 2018.
The Awards for Excellence acknowledge the outstanding contributions of individuals and companies within the horticulture industry.
Growcom CEO David Thomson said Ms Mackenzie had been a strong industry leader for more than 12 years.
“Rachel’s diplomatic approach to challenging and influencing policy – at a state and federal level – is a key contributor to the strong reputation Growcom holds within the horticulture industry,” Mr Thomson said.
“She is a passionate advocate and her dedication is unrivalled.
“This award is an acknowledgement of Rachel’s hard work, dedication and ability to deliver outcomes for the sector.”
❝ Itisa privilege that they are happy for me to be their voice. — Rachel Mackenzie
Rachel said she was thrilled to receive the award, and that it was a privilege to work in such an important sector.
“Growers do the hard work in our sector,” she said.
“I have enormous respect for what they do, and it is a privilege that they are happy for me to be their voice.”
Rachel Mackenzie has been a strong advocate for the horticulture industry and was a key voice in the fight against the backpacker tax. She has also been a driver of the Fair Farms Initiative and was influential in lobbying for the initial Reef Rescue funding.
She is committed to developing evidence-based policy for the Queensland horticulture sector with particular interest in biosecurity, competition and consumer issues and fair employment practices.
Rachel said she felt her role continued to offer an important service to the horticulture industry.
“My role as Growcom’s chief advocate comes with expectations from growers that I will make their position better,” she said.
“Successful projects like Reef Rescue and the Fair Farms initiative demonstrate that someone in this role can make a difference on the ground.”