About Us

Our mission: To unite all segments of the Lifestyle Horticulture Industry through influential representation to government, consumers and the community to achieve environmental sustainability and to advance common issues that commercially impact members.

The Australian Centre for Lifestyle Horticulture (ACLH) operates from, the Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (DPI&F) offices at the Redlands Research Station, in Cleveland, Queensland.  

ACLH which was incorporated in 2004, are investigating and developing strategies to promote and foster the industry. The industry sectors include turf suppliers and producers, flower growers, nurseries, parks, irrigators and landscapers. The industry provides products and service that are of great social, economical and environmental benefit.

While the times are challenging for the lifestyle horticulture industry due to drought and water restrictions, there are also many opportunities.  Governments are listening to the voice of public opinion about issues such as water, climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.  The lifestyle horticultural industry can capitalise on these opportunities and will not only survive, but thrive.

The ACLH management committee members represent each of the industry sectors:
 

Jim Vaughan - Turf Queensland Representative - ACLH Chairman                              

Jim has been a member of the ACLH Management Committee since its inception.  Jim was a member of the original Nursery Industry Development Council and the Lifestyle Horticulture Industry Development Council since 1996 prior to the development of the ACLH in 2005.  He is the Chief Executive Officer of both Landscaping Australia Inc and the Queensland Turf Producers Association.

Jim's background is from General Management and Director level of a number of well known multinational public companies and the owner and Managing Director of his own Management Consultancy Vorn Australasia, responsible for the two associations detailed above. Vorn Australasia is a tenant of the ACLH Redlands facility.

Jim believes strongly in the Lifestyle Horticulture 'supply and demand chain' and its huge effect on the GDP of Queensland.  For this reason he has committed his time, energy and expertise to forwarding the objectives of the Australian Centre of Lifestyle Horticulture in Queensland.

Donald Scotts - Nursery and Garden Industry Queensland Representative - ACLH Treasurer

Donald Scotts has had a long involvement with the Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland including a period as Secretary to FAQI and Chairperson of ACLH.  Donald holds an MBA in Association Management and has a Bachelor of Educational Studies along with numerous other qualifications.  He is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the National Tax and Accountants Association and Australian Institute of Management.  Donald is a passionate supporter of industry associations and believes that ACLH as an umbrella organisation can play a significant role in helping enhance the benefits of the various member associations.

Mark Sorby - Landscape Queensland Industries Inc Representative

Mark joined the ACLH management committee in late 2009 after becoming the Chief Executive Officer for Landscape Queensland Industries Inc.  Mark brings to ACLH a strong history of sales management and business development including 10 years with the Housing Industry Association.  Holding qualifications in business and business management, Mark believes lifestyle horticulture has huge potential for growth providing ongoing benefits for all Lifestyle Horticulture Industry sectors.

Gerry Smith -Irrigation Australia Limited Representative

Denyse Corner - Flower Association of Queensland Industry Representative - ACLH Secretary

 Learn more about our strategies for the future.