Latest news with #NewtonOrchards'
West Australian
3 hours ago
- Business
- West Australian
Donnybrook orchardist Sam Licciardello named one of Australia‘s best at Horticulture Awards for Excellence
Donnybrook pear and apple grower Sam Licciardello has been recognised as one of the best horticultural producers in the country, an 'absolute honour' he says has left him feeling humbled and proud of his industry. The third-generation orchardist took out two major horticulture awards in the space of a week earlier this month, after being nominated by his industry peers. Mr Licciardello's winning streak started when he took out the Agritourism Award at Apple and Pear Australia's Awards for Excellence on June 4. Just two days later, he won the Community Stewardship Award in the Horticulture Awards for Excellence at a special gala dinner to mark the end of Australia's biggest horticulture conference — Hort Connections — in Brisbane. Mr Licciardello was one of five finalists in one of the main categories at this year's Horticulture Awards for Excellence, which aim to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of leading growers, businesses and individuals across the sector. He was one of two of WA horticulture's 'best and brightest' nominated, with Newton Orchards' Nicole Giblett among 12 finalists for the Women in Horticulture category. The award came as a surprise to Mr Licciardello, who farms with his wife Vanessa and their three daughters Amber, 19, Jade, 17, and Mia, 11. 'I am honoured to have won this award, and humbled,' he said. 'I just feel so proud to represent WA and the industry we have here.' Mr Licciardello is continuing his family's legacy running the third-generation, family-operated orchard on the South Western Highway near Donnybrook. His family has farmed the 45ha property since 1950 and these days focus predominantly on apples and pears, as well as plums, nectarines, peaches and cherries. 'I love growing fruit, and to win these awards is amazing . . . but at the end of the day, I am just doing what I love,' he said. 'The ultimate goal is to provide high-quality fruit for the community to enjoy . . . and to educate the public on what they are eating and where it comes from. 'We are so lucky here in the South West to have so many amazing fruit and vegetables grown here . . . it is a great part of the world to live in.' Mr Licciardello wears a number of hats in the region, as a Pomewest WA committee member, an exhibitor and organiser of the Donnybrook Apple Festival's fruit pavilion, and the host of Taste Donnybrook's annual long table lunch. Pomewest executive manager Nardia Stacey accepted the Horticulture Awards for Excellence accolade on behalf of Mr Licciardello. 'It was a privilege to be able to nominate a grower who is as engaged and passionate as Sam,' she said. 'We are so happy he won . . . he is just an all-round fabulous person and totally deserves this award.' Ausveg chief executive Michael Coote said the winners represented the 'best and brightest' of Australian horticulture and its future.
West Australian
6 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
WA horticulture stars join national line-up of finalists in industry awards
Two of WA horticulture's 'best and brightest' have made the South West proud after being named finalists in the industry's biggest excellence awards. Nicole Giblett, of Newton Orchards in Manjimup, and Sam Licciardello, of Orchard 1 Sixty in Donnybrook, are among the finalists for this year's Horticulture Awards for Excellence. Ms Giblett is part of a 12-strong line-up of finalists for the Women in Horticulture Category, while Mr Licciardello is one of five finalists for the Community Stewardship Award. The annual awards aim to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of leading growers, businesses and individuals who make up Australia's diverse horticulture industry. More than 80 finalists were announced across the awards' nine categories, which include different accolades for both individuals and businesses. Mr Licciardello is continuing his family's legacy running the third-generation, family-operated orchard on the South Western Highway near Donnybrook. His family has farmed the 45ha property since 1950 and these days focus predominantly on apples and pears, as well as plums, nectarines, peaches and cherries. Ms Giblett — widely regarded as a trailblazer in the horticultural sector — returned to her family farm in 2008, continuing the business her family started in 1929. She has since spearheaded the success of Newton Orchards' brand development, promotion and marketing. Ausveg chief executive Michael Coote said the nominees represented the 'best and brightest' of Australian horticulture and its future. 'Their impressive achievements and contributions to industry are an inspiration to us all,' he said. IFPA ANZ managing director Belinda Wilson said this year's finalists were a 'full field of deserving nominees', reflecting the achievements and innovations of the sector. The awards ceremony will be held during the Hort Connections Gala Dinner on Friday, June 6, at the end of Australia's biggest horticulture conference, Hort Connections 2025 in Brisbane.
