Support for
Growth

Lifetime Achievement Award – Sue Finger 

The Lifetime Achievement accolade recognises an individual working in, or retired from, the apple or pear industry across the supply chain.   

Sue Finger is has established excellence in the pome-fruit industry, showing leadership in the advancement through her efforts in education, volunteering, advocacy, research and development and extension.  

A third-generation apple grower, Sue is a deserving recipient who has demonstrated excellence throughout her career. 

Sue’s journey has been marked by a number of key roles within the Yarra Valley fruit growing industry, having also served as President of the Horticultural Group of the VFF and subsequently as a Board Member for the VFF for six years.  

Sue was also the first female Board Member appointed to Hort Innovation’s inaugural Board of Directors when the organisation was formed and went on to serve a commendable seven years on the Board. 

A champion of the seasonal worker program for over a decade and showing great passion for industry advancement through her efforts lobbying government for change, we congratulate the recipient of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award, Sue Finger. 

Women in Horticulture – Ann Lyster 

The Women in Horticulture Award goes to a female industry leader who has demonstrated outstanding success in their chosen field and has been proactive and committed to achieving success in the industry and mentoring women in horticulture.  

Ann Lyster was pivotal in the early days of the Cripps Pink development, championing international partnerships to introduce the variety to the UK.   

She is committed and motivated to ensuring the industry’s future and continues to dedicate her time to mentoring many women within the horticulture industry, championing female orchardists, business managers, marketers, executive officers and technical support officers.  

Holding roles including Chair of the Fruit West Co-operative, and Chair of the Sustainable Rural Development Group government reference group, APAL congratulates the recipient of the 2023 Women in Horticulture Award, Ann Lyster.   

Marketer of the Year Award – Jenny Mercer 

Marketer of the Year is open to individuals or teams from across the industry that have shown excellence in marketing apples or pears in domestic or international markets through campaigns, programs and new market opportunities.  

Jenny continues to be a front-runner of innovative marketing campaigns, including QR-code-driven promotions and website activities for children.   

Jenny has worked to secure export deals for Bravo apples across Southeast Asia and the UAE through locally driven global marketing campaigns and is always thinking outside the box to respond to challenging marketing environments.  

Agritourism Award – Glenn and Jo-Anne Fahey 

The Agritourism Award is open to an individual, team or business that demonstrates excellence in the promotion of apples and pears through programs and initiatives that shine a positive light on the industry.   

Glenn and Jo-Anne Fahey have successfully transitioned from being ordinary apple farmers to fruit-picking tour guides, cider makers, guest house proprietors and on-farm event managers.   

They’ve used the power of social media to reach over 15,000 followers driving awareness and education about the fruit industry, its people and processes and their orchard has featured on numerous lifestyle-media programs including The Living Room and Better Homes & Gardens, as well as numerous newspapers and radio programs.