JOANNE AQUILINA

Can you tell us a bit about your background - education, employment etc?

After high school, I went on to complete a Marketing Diploma at Macleay College in Sydney. I’ve held various positions throughout my career including public relations, marketing, advertising executive and project management roles, as well as account manager and marketing manager positions. I joined the LNA in August 2010 as Marketing & PR Manager and in 2011 was promoted to the role of Executive Officer.

Prior to joining the LNA, I operated several small businesses including a commercial plumbing business.

What are your key responsibilities as the LNA Executive Officer?

The LNA was established in 1979 to promote professionalism within the landscape Industry. Its endeavours since have been to raise community awareness of its membership which annually re-affirms its commitment to legal requirements and ethical business dealings.

As the Executive Officer, I implement the strategic direction of the LNA Board and deliver a range of services to members and its sponsors. This includes building relationships with and between other state associations, sponsors, government and industry stakeholders. I also manage the LNA in a way that ensures its financial sustainability, including the development of new income streams and effective use of resources. The Executive Officer position is an extremely challenging yet rewarding role.

What has been your career highlight to date?

A major career highlight has been working together with the LNA Board and membership in rebranding, developing and the overall evolution of LCA to LNA over the past two years. Also, working with the LNA Board to develop the Accreditation Programme for Landscape Contractors and formulating a continued professional development training scheme.

Another highlight is securing and maintaining relationships with LNA Members, Support and Sponsorship Partners including Andreasens Green Wholesale Nurseries, WesTrac, Coates Hire, Eco Outdoor, Amber Australia, Alpine Nurseries, Plantmark, Nationwide Insurance Brokers Komatsu, MCA, Sita Organics and Dial a Product to name a few.

Furthermore, the event planning and co-ordination of various LNA and community charity raising events such as the co-hosted LNA & NGINA Green Industries Charity Golf Day held earlier this month to raise funds for cancer research; Celebrate the West Garden Donation Pledge to BoysTown; and Lobbying and receiving government funding and support from North West Disability Services for The Secret Garden and Nursery - a therapeutic garden for people with disabilities.

What does the association have planned/coming up?

• LNA & WesTrac – LMN Landscape Business Management workshops: Parramatta July 16-17, and Manly Northern Beaches July 19-20.

• Monday July 23 – 2012 Landscape Excellence Awards: VIP Finalist night to be proudly hosted by Platinum Sponsor Andreasens Green Wholesale Nurseries at the Greenwood Hotel, North Sydney.

• Friday August 31 – LNA Inaugural Gala Event to be held at Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf, Pyrmont Sydney.

• August 30 - September 1 – WorldSkills National Competition, Sydney Olympic Park: LNA proud supporter.

• September 13 – 14 – Landscape Australia Expo, Royal Hall of Industries Fox Studios.

www.landscapenswact.com.au