The Cherry Growers Australia Cherry Industry Awards for Excellence celebrate outstanding achievement and innovation within the Australian cherry industry. Awarded bi-annually at the Australian cherry industry conference they recognise excellence in areas such as cherry growing, marketing, research and agri-tourism and honour individuals and organisations that demonstrate leadership, sustainability and impactful contributions to the industry.
Our next awards ceremony will be held at the 2026 National Cherry Industry Conference Gala Dinner on 31 May 2026, in Adelaide.
Award recipients are invited to the Cherry Growers Australia Gala Dinner, as part of the Australian Cherry Industry Conference at which their award is presented, and their achievements shared and celebrated by the cherry industry.
Nominations are open to anyone working in or contributing to the progress of the Australian cherry industry.
Nominations will be judged on merit taking into consideration any subsequent information requested by the selection committee, including but not limited to, follow up interviews, referee checks and/or business visits.
Nominations open from 5 January 2026 until 12 April 2026.
To be considered for an award, all applicants must complete the online nomination form and address the selection criteria. Feel free to provide further information or evidence to support the nomination.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious honour awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and long-term commitment to the Australian cherry industry. This award recognises those who have made significant, enduring contributions that have positively impacted the industry over many years.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious honour awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and long-term commitment to the Australian cherry industry. This award recognises those who have made significant, enduring contributions that have positively impacted the industry over many years.
Quick answers to questions you may have. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us today.
Nominations are open from 5 January – 12 April 2026.
To be considered for an award, all applicants must complete the online nomination form and address the selection criteria. Feel free to provide further information or evidence to support the nomination.
Yes, you can nominate an individual for multiple categories if they meet the selection criteria.
Yes, you can self-nominate.
Yes, you can receive an award in the same category more than once, however, your contribution needs to be significantly different as to why you may have received it in the past.
Yes! We encourage individuals, who were previously unsuccessful, to renominate.
Recipients will receive and an award trophy and, in 2026 prizes such as travel vouchers to the value of $1,000.
Yes. Conference Committee members may nominate individuals for Cherry Industry Awards. To ensure fairness and transparency, any committee member with a conflict of interest with a nominee, does not participate in the assessment or scoring of the relevant award category.
If you have any queries please contact the Communications Officer.
Director
Tony Hannaford is a cherry grower from South Australia, producing based predominantly in the Torrens Valley of the Adelaide Hills.
Tony’s family have a long history of orcharding. Tony introduced cherries in 1985 and now has multiple varieties spanning a long season with fruit delivered across Australia and the globe. This is all supported by the latest technology in the packing shed.
Tony has long supported and been active for the cherry industry – having also served on the Cherry Industry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.
Director
Nic Hansen is a fourth-generation cherry grower based in Southern Tasmania and brings deep grower knowledge and long-standing industry involvement to the CGA Board.
Nic grows sweet cherries at Old Beach and is part of Hansen Orchards, one of Tasmania’s largest cherry growing businesses. He has previously represented Tasmania as the State Director on the CGA Board and has served on the HIA Cherry SIAP, contributing to national industry planning and decision-making.
Nic is currently serving his second term as President of Fruit Growers Tasmania. He brings a strong grower perspective, practical experience, and a commitment to effective industry leadership, supporting CGA’s role as the national peak body for Australian cherry growers.
Honorary Treasurer
Grant Piggott has been Chief Executive Officer of Fruit Producers SA, the grower association for cherries in South Australia since 2023 and served as its representative on the Cherry Growers Australia Board from June 2024.
He brings significant experience in finance, strategy and commercial management. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served for 15 years as an elected member in Local Government.
Grant treasures his childhood on a wheat sheep farm in the Upper North of South Australia, still owned by his family. He has maintained links to primary production for almost 30 years of his working career, primarily through his senior management role at the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA.
In his short tenure as industry representative, he has developed a passion for the successful growing and marketing of quality cherries. Grant is convinced of the deserved glamour status of cherries – healthy, photogenic, delicious, easy to eat and inextricably associated with the joy of Summer and Christmas.
Following his involvement as part of the team which guided the change of Cherry Growers Australia to a company limited by guarantee in May 2025, Grant was invited to serve as a Director on the Board in September 2025 and was appointed Treasurer.
Director
Andrew Fairley bio coming soon
Director
Fiona has been an active participant in the cherry industry for 25 years. She was President of NSW Cherry Growers in the past and has served on the cherry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP) for past 5 years.
Fiona is currently a board member of Apple & Pear Aust Ltd (APAL) and the FAR (finance, audit and risk) committee for APAL. APAL manage domestic and international brands of produce including Pink Lady® apples. APAL is also the PIB for the 400 plus growers of Australia.
Fiona manages the business activities of BiteRiot, reporting to a board each month. She brings a wealth of experience across corporate governance & strategic planning, finance, business and marketing to the CGA board.
Deputy Chair
Greg Perry brings extensive leadership experience across the cherry industry, infrastructure, and project management, with a strong focus on governance, strategy, and commercial oversight.
Raised in the cherry industry, Greg has a deep understanding of production challenges and the importance of long-term industry sustainability. He is the Managing Director of a project management consultancy, delivering complex infrastructure, development, and operational programs across multiple sectors.
Greg has held senior leadership and board-level roles in both industry and government-aligned organisations, including service on the NSW Cherry Growers Association board and advisory roles supporting strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and investment decision-making. His experience spans financial oversight, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and guiding organisations through periods of structural change.
Greg brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to the CGA Board, with a strong commitment to governance integrity, member representation, and supporting the continued growth and resilience of the Australian cherry industry.
Chair
I grew up on our family farm in Wandin and picked cherries at an early age.
I loved the camaraderie of working with people and still do today. It is a buzz that makes coming to work enjoyable regardless of what you are doing!!
I studied to be a secondary Art and Craft teacher. However, I wanted to work in the industry first so worked in design and sales in the textile industry in Melbourne and Sydney.
Missing the family business in Sydney I returned to the family, cherries, and WandinValley Farms.
In 2007 our family bought the remaining shares in Wandin Valley Farms, and we all became involved in the business.
In 2016 I became the CEO of Wandin Valley Farms.
I am proud of what we do and the industry we are involved in. We produce a product that is fresh, flavorsome, healthy and creates excitement all bundled in with Christmas and Summer!!
Elected to VCA committee 26th October 2009
Elected to President of VCA 17th October 2013
Elected to President of CGA 24th January 2024
