Freshmark celebrates individuals who have made a real difference in the fresh produce industry. From lifetime achievements to dedicated service, we honour those who have worked hard to create lasting improvements and drive the industry forward.
The rich tapestry of our industry has been woven through our Life Members’ unrelenting commitment to fresh produce.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented in recognition of an individual’s outstanding leadership and contribution to the fresh produce sector. This may be a new innovation, new knowledge, or ways to improve professional practice deemed to be above and beyond the every day with a long-lasting impact in the sector.
Established in 1974, the Meritorious Service Award acknowledges individuals who consistently promote and support the initiatives of FMA and their respective State Chamber. Recipients of this prestigious award exhibit a genuine interest in the welfare of the Horticultural Industry, with a specific focus on the Wholesaling sector across all Central Markets. Their proven track record of business success, combined with strong personal and business ethics, sets them apart as deserving recipients of this honour.
The Meritorious Service Award is presented at either the FMA AGM or at Hort Connections Gala Dinner to the person who has achieved the criteria for outstanding contribution to the wholesaling sector, their local Chamber, FMA, the Central Markets and the horticulture industry, and who is selected by the Board from nominations submitted by Member Chambers.
There may be only one Award each year, subject to a suitable candidate being nominated and selected. If there are no suitable candidates nominated in a particular year, then the Award will not be presented.
JH Leavy (QLD)
W Musgrove (NSW)
EJ Milne (NSW)
G Bloomfield (WA)
DA Mercer (WA)
J Hyman (VIC)
P Joseph (SA)
WH Norman (SA)
HV Lovett (N'cle)
B Berlazzo (VIC)
R Murray (Senior) (QLD)
A Martin (QLD)
RA Hollett (QLD)
RM Livingstone (QLD)
RD Mercer (WA)
DB DiMattina (VIC)
DL Crombie (VIC)
CW Johnson (NSW)
AG Russell (NSW)
KJ Robson (N'cle)
J McNish (VIC)
S Hunt (NSW)
D Alroe (QLD)
J Maley (WA)
A Joseph (QLD)
K Andrews (QLD)
D Schirripa (SA)
R Millis (VIC)
D Whiteman (NSW)
J Mercer (WA)
W Lovett (N'cle)
R Barker (VIC)
R Barker (VIC)
WF Chalk (NSW)
S Schnitzler (VIC)
C Smith (WA)
R Schirripa (SA)
J Garrett (N'cle)
A Young (QLD)
J Antico (NSW)
S Edwards (QLD)
R Kelly (NSW)
G Lower (QLD)
T Skinner (WA)
P Pogas (SA)
B Collins (VIC)
P Tighe (QLD)
N Greenhalgh (QLD)
G Woods (National)
G Giameos (SA)
The Col Johnson Young Achiever’s Award, established in 2002, is named after Col Johnson, past Australian Chamber President and Meritorious Service Award winner, who championed the involvement of our younger people in industry affairs through his support for the establishment of younger persons committees in Member Chambers and in initiating the Youth Forum as part of Annual Conferences.
The Award is presented at the FMA AGM or Hort Connections Gala Dinner, to the person who has achieved the criteria and displays potential for the future, and who is selected by the Board from nominations submitted by Member Chambers.
R Lagudi (NSW)
V Brancatisano (VIC)
R Schirripa (SA)
S Schnitzler (VIC)
D Keates (QLD)
J Mercer (WA)
G Pratley (NSW)
M Lorenzetto (VIC)
J Zappia (NSW)
D Yip (NSW)
C Cormack (VIC)
C Natale (VIC)
H Montague (QLD)
P Koukos (SA)
M Granieri (VIC)
C Etherington (WA)
C Pisciuneri (NSW)
M Russo (SA)
S Lewis (QLD)
Each President of The NSW Chamber of Fruit and Vegetables Incorporated is inducted into the Presidents’ Roll of Honour for their service and dedication to advancing the fresh produce industry.
The Chamber’s first President, founding member Leslie James Jenkins (1935–1939), pioneered the vision that helped grow the industry domestically and internationally for both growers and wholesalers.
In 2020, the Chamber transitioned from an incorporated association to a public company limited by guarantee, resulting in a new Board, updated constitution, and a new name: the NSW Chamber of Fresh Produce Limited. Carlo Trimboli, the last serving President of the Committee, continues his service as Chairperson of The NSW Chamber of Fresh Produce Limited Board.
Leslie J Jenkins
Walter M Musgrave
C Russell Walker
Harold P Woodward
Joseph J Mason
Harold M Gauld
N John Kellaway
Geoffrey C Pogson
C Russell Walker
N John Kellaway
Richard A Terrill
Eric J Milne
Richard A Terrill
Henry H M Chilton
William E Clements
Bryan G Clarke
Leslie G McGrath
Albert G Russell
Colin W Johnson
Stuart F Dickson
Colin W Johnson
John E Ewen
Graham R Leslie
Colin W Johnson
William F Chalk
Nicholas Martell
Heath McInerney
Carlo Trimboli
Eric Kime was awarded the prestigious honorary title of Friend of the Chamber for his unwavering dedication to Sydney Markets, its people, and the fresh produce industry.
He began his career in 1969 as a wholesaler and Chamber member, eventually serving as Director and later Chairman of Sydney Markets Limited until retiring at 78 in 2003. He guided the organisation through major milestones, including construction of the Flemington site in 1975 and privatisation in 1997.
Eric’s passion for Sydney Markets truly defined him. His commitment to community spirit and willingness to help form a legacy we at Freshmark strive to uphold every day. Ultimately, Eric’s drive to keep the Markets strong well into the future has left an indelible mark, and we are forever in his debt.