Support for
Growth

Lifetime Achievement: Dr Ben Darbyshire, Western Australia 

An individual who has provided motivational and inspirational leadership for the advancement of the apple and pear industry at a local community level or for the Australian apple and pear industry more generally.

All-rounder Dr Ben Darbyshire has played a critical role in the Western Australian apple industry for more than 20 years, including nine years as chairman of the Fruit West Co-operative, which was responsible for the commercialisation of the new burgundy-coloured WA apple variety, ANABP 01 (marketed as Bravo™). His unique set of skills gained as a scientist, industry leader and apple grower made him the ideal recipient for the APAL 2022 Lifetime Achievement.  

Women in Horticulture: Rien Silverstein, Silver Orchards, Goulburn Valley, Victoria

A female industry member who has demonstrated outstanding ability and success in their chosen field, whether it is growing, research and development, farm management, or otherwise.

Winner of the 2022 Women in Horticulture award, Rien Silverstein emphasises the importance of working with others to benefit the whole community. Rien joined Australian Women in Agriculture in its early days and the Victorian Farmers Federation in 1998, eventually going on to join the boards of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and VFF. She enjoys giving advice to the new generation of growers and even suggested that the new generation form a Young Growers Group of Fruit Growers Victoria at the VFF.  

Marketer of the Year: Nic Giblett, Newton Orchards, Manjimup, Western Australia

Open to any individual or team who through a marketing campaign has shown excellence in the marketing of apples and pears in Australia.

The 2022 Marketer of the Year, Nic Giblett, is clear about what she sees as the keys to successful promotion of the apple and pear industry and its produce; quality above everything, good relationships with customers, and integrity and openness in their dealings. Nic has invested many hours in enticing local workers to the farm and packhouse environments through the WA Government’s ‘Work and Wander out Yonder’ campaign. However, Nic emphasises that this is a team award, stating that “marketing is never an individual effort.”