OUR EXPERT SPEAKERS
Queensland Garden Show offers the largest speaker program of any gardening event in the country. Visit us on any of the three days of the event and you will find free talks on a variety of topics running on 4 live stages.
GRAHAM ROSS
GRAHAM ROSS - Guest Speaker (Saturday & Sunday)
One of Australia's most acclaimed horticulturists, Graham Ross brings an extraordinary 67-year career spanning landscaping, education, media and global garden touring. A long-time presenter on Better Homes & Gardens and host of The Garden Clinic radio show, Graham has received countless industry honours, including an Order of Australia (AM) and the prestigious Gold Veitch Memorial Medal for his global contribution to horticulture.
TAMMY HUYNH
TAMMY HUYNH - Guest Speaker (Friday & Saturday)
Tammy Huynh (pronounced Hwin) is the founder of Leaf an Impression and a passionate horticulturist with over 12 years' experience across workshops, consulting, writing and media. A familiar face on Gardening Australia, Tammy is known for her practical, inspiring approach to indoor plants, captured in her book The Plant Book (Murdoch Books). She was named Horticulturist of the Year in 2021 by the Australian Institute of Horticulture.
JERRY COLEBY-WILLIAMS
JERRY COLEBY-WILLIAMS - Guest Speaker (All Days)
Internationally renowned horticulturist and Gardening Australia's longest-serving presenter, Jerry Coleby-Williams is a pioneer of sustainability and organic best practice. His Brisbane home, 'Bellis', is a globally recognised example of climate-responsive living, producing food, energy and biodiversity in abundance. With a career spanning botanic gardens, media and international speaking, Jerry continues to lead conversations around sustainable gardening.
SOPHIE THOMSON
SOPHIE THOMSON - Guest Speaker (Saturday & Sunday)
Sophie Thomson is a much-loved Gardening Australia presenter whose infectious enthusiasm has inspired Australians for decades. A passionate advocate for the health and community benefits of gardening, Sophie's work extends beyond media into supporting communities recovering from natural disasters. She was recently recognised with the 2024 South Australian Inspirational Women's Award.
As she says…"Gardens connect us to the earth which grounds us, feeds and supports us….and to the First Nations custodians who came before us…who knew that everything in this garden of nature is connected."
PHIL DUDMAN
PHIL DUDMAN - Guest Speaker (Friday & Saturday)
Phil Dudman is a horticulturist, garden designer and leading advocate for organic food growing. A former Horticultural Editor for ABC Gardening Australia and Organic Gardener, and host of ABC's Good Gardening radio program, Phil combines media expertise with hands-on know-how. Through workshops and his own highly productive garden, he shows that sustainable food growing at home is both achievable and rewarding.
ARNO KING
ARNO KING - MC & Guest Speaker (All Days)
Brisbane-based landscape architect and horticultural consultant Arno King is a familiar voice through his radio broadcasts, public talks and writing. With decades of experience in subtropical garden design, Arno is passionate about sharing practical knowledge and inspiring audiences to connect with plants and place.
ROBERT WILSON
ROBERT WILSON - Guest Speaker (Friday & Saturday)
A third-generation horticulturist, Robert 'The Mountain Man' Wilson has over 25 years' experience across nursery production, landscape management and education. With a strong focus on conservation horticulture and Queensland's native flora, his work champions resilient landscapes that celebrate biodiversity and reconnect people with the natural world.
MATT GOLINSKI
MATT GOLINSKI - Cooking Demonstrations (All Days)
A familiar face in Australian kitchens, Matt Golinski is a celebrated chef whose passion for food is deeply rooted in fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the people who grow them. Best known from Ready Steady Cook, Matt brings over 35 years of culinary experience, having led kitchens across Queensland and now working as a consulting chef, writer, and festival favourite. Based in the Noosa hinterland, his connection to paddock-to-plate cooking continues to inspire his vibrant, produce-driven demonstrations.
ANNE GIBSON
ANNE GIBSON - Guest Speaker (Friday & Saturday)
Known as The Micro Gardener, Anne Gibson is a passionate educator helping people grow abundant food in small spaces. With a focus on sustainability, soil health and practical solutions, she empowers gardeners to make the most of what they have, whether it's a backyard, balcony or windowsill. Her engaging, down-to-earth approach makes growing your own food feel achievable for everyone.
KATE WALL
KATE WALL - MC & Guest Speaker (Sunday only)
Award-winning author and gardening coach Kate Wall is a leading voice in sustainable, eco-friendly gardening. With a background in Environmental Biology and over 15 years of hands-on experience, she specialises in weed management, edible plants and garden recovery after extreme weather. A dynamic speaker and educator, Kate is known for helping gardeners build resilient, thriving spaces through practical knowledge and a deep respect for the natural environment.
PAUL PLANT
PAUL PLANT - Guest Speaker (Sunday Only)
With nearly four decades in horticulture, Paul Plant is a trusted expert known for his practical advice and no-nonsense approach to gardening. A former editor of subTropical Gardening magazine and a familiar voice on radio, Paul champions biodiversity, climate-appropriate planting and cutting through common garden myths. His sessions blend science and experience, making gardening more accessible and rewarding for all.
SARAH HEATH
SARAH HEATH - Guest Speaker (Sunday Only)
Sarah Heath is a passionate grower and the force behind Basilea Living Herbs and Edible Flowers, a boutique urban farm supplying spray-free produce to chefs across South East Queensland. With over 20 years of experience, she shares practical, "seed-to-plate" knowledge that helps gardeners create productive and beautiful edible spaces. Her inspiring approach turns backyard growing into a delicious, achievable lifestyle.
GAVIN HARDY
GAVIN HARDY - Guest Speaker (Friday Only)
Permaculture educator and community food advocate Gavin Hardy brings over 30 years of experience in building and supporting thriving garden communities. As Northey Street City Farm's education coordinator, he has explored successful community gardening projects worldwide and now leads initiatives supporting growers across South East Queensland. His insights offer a real-world look at what makes community gardens flourish.
KAT PEARSON
KAT PEARSON - Guest Speaker (Friday Only)
Brisbane-based horticulturist Kat Pearson is all about joyful, abundant gardening. With a love for both edibles and ornamentals, she cultivates a vibrant, wildlife-friendly garden at home and shares her knowledge through writing and speaking. Kat's relatable, encouraging style inspires others to create gardens that are not only productive, but full of life and personality.
MEGG MILLER OAM
MEGG MILLER OAM - Guest Speaker & Egg/Poultry Judge (Friday & Sunday Only)
A true authority on poultry, Megg Miller OAM has dedicated her life to understanding, raising and advocating for birds of all kinds. With decades of experience, a remarkable historical knowledge base and a passion for education, Megg shares fascinating insights into poultry behaviour, breeds and care. Her work as a writer, speaker and judge has helped shape the poultry community, making her a trailblazer in the field.
NEIL & LISA PATERSON
NEIL & LINDA PATERSON - Guest Speaker & Stallholder (Friday Only)
The duo behind Odd Spot Plants, Neil and Lisa Paterson are renowned for their passion for rare and unusual plants. Combining deep horticultural expertise with a creative eye, they grow and curate unique indoor plants and grafted varieties that captivate collectors. This year marks the exciting debut of their internationally acclaimed Monstera "Aussie Dream," making their session a must for plant lovers.
DOMINIQUE LIVKAMAL
DOMINIQUE LIVKAMAL - Guest Speaker & Stallholder (All Days)
With over 40 years of experience in naturopathy and herbal medicine, Dominique LivKamal is dedicated to making natural wellness accessible to all. As the founder of Medicine Room, she blends science and tradition to create gentle, plant-based remedies while empowering others on their health journey. Her holistic approach celebrates the healing power of nature in everyday life.
ROSLYN MCCARTHY
ROSLYN MCCARTHY - Guest Speaker & Stallholder (All Days)
Roslyn McCarthy is on a mission to transform how Australians see the humble cumquat. As co-founder of Cumquats Australia, she has grown a boutique orchard into a thriving business producing artisanal citrus creations. A former science educator, Roslyn combines storytelling, food and innovation to showcase the versatility of this unique fruit, from preserves to pioneering new spirits.
EMMA COURT
EMMA COURT - Guest Speaker & Stallholder (Friday & Saturday Only)
Emma Court is the founder of Rocky Creek Mushrooms, a Sunshine Coast farm focused on sustainable, small-scale mushroom cultivation. Growing over 30 varieties, she combines innovation with eco-conscious practices to produce gourmet fungi and functional products. Passionate about reconnecting people with food and nature, Emma shares practical insights into the fascinating world of mushrooms.
JORDAN ALEXANDER
JORDAN ALEXANDER - Guest Speaker & Stallholder (Saturday Only)
Soil health advocate and founder of The Shed Organics, Jordan Alexander is passionate about teaching gardeners the power of living soil. Through workshops, content and his podcast, he breaks down complex concepts into simple, actionable steps. His engaging style helps growers understand the vital link between healthy soil, thriving plants and overall wellbeing.
ROBERT CAULIAN
ROBERT CAULIAN - Cooking Demonstrations (Friday Only)
Chef Robert Cauilan brings bold Filipino flavours into the spotlight with his modern Australian fusion style. Drawing on his heritage and a love for fresh, local produce, he creates dishes that are both vibrant and approachable. As Executive Chef at Aussie World, Robert leads multiple kitchens while championing cultural diversity through food.
KENJI HIROTO
KENJI HIROTO - Cooking Demonstrations (Sunday Only)
With over 25 years of experience, Chef Kenji Hiroto is a master of Japanese cuisine, known for his precision and artistry in charcoal cooking. As Head Chef of SOKA, he blends traditional techniques with modern influences to create refined, authentic dishes. His passion for quality and craftsmanship has earned the restaurant prestigious recognition on the Sunshine Coast.
MAL MEIERS
MAL MEIERS - Cooking Demonstrations (Saturday Only)
Mal Meiers is the Head Chef at ēthos, the heart of Alsahwa Estate's regenerative dining experience. Working closely with farm-grown and local spray-free produce, he creates Mediterranean-inspired dishes that celebrate seasonality and sustainability. His cooking reflects a deep connection between land, food and community.
MARK RAYNER
MARK RAYNER - Guest Speaker & Sponsor (All days)
With more than 47 years in the garden industry, Mark Rayner is a highly respected expert in growing media and horticultural innovation. As Technical Manager at Rocky Point, he has played a key role in developing advanced products like HydroGro, supporting both commercial growers and home gardeners. His sessions combine technical knowledge with practical advice honed over a lifetime in the industry.
TERRY STOKES
TERRY STOKES - Guest Speaker & Sponsor (All days)
With more than 15 years of experience in organic and regenerative growing systems, Terry Stokes is passionate about helping gardeners and farmers work in harmony with nature. Drawing on decades of knowledge in microbial and nutritional health, Terry now applies those principles to soil, plants and sustainable land management. Through education and practical advice, he empowers growers to build healthier, more productive gardens using natural, bio-organic solutions.
JEFF MACLENNAN
JEFF MACLENNAN - Guest Speaker & Sponsor (Sunday Only)
Jeff MacLennan is a regenerative growing educator with a lifelong connection to agriculture and natural gardening systems. From his early days on a Bundaberg farm to leadership roles in education and horticulture, Jeff has dedicated his career to teaching the powerful relationship between soil biology, plant health and human wellbeing. Known for his practical, science-based approach, he inspires gardeners to grow thriving, nutrient-rich food naturally and sustainably.
DAN FOREMAN
DAN FOREMAN - Guest Speaker & Sponsor (Saturday & Sunday Only)
With over 20 years in landscaping and horticulture, Dan Foreman brings a wealth of hands-on experience and practical design expertise to outdoor spaces of every scale. Having worked across residential gardens and major commercial projects alike, Dan combines creativity with real-world construction knowledge to create landscapes that are both beautiful and functional. Passionate about education and industry mentorship, he enjoys helping people better understand the art and process of great landscape design.
JARROD LESKE
JARROD LESKE - Guest Speaker & Sponsor (All Days)
Jarrod Leske is a seasoned leader with more than 25 years of experience in the home improvement industry, backed by a strong foundation in architecture. His early training in architectural design shaped his understanding of spatial planning, materials, and the relationship between form and function, which has guided his successful career. Speaking on behalf of Stratco, Jarrod brings valuable insights into quality, innovation, and the evolving home improvement landscape.
ALSO TALKING GARDENING
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