Australia’s banana industry celebrated some of its best and brightest at the Australian Banana Industry Congress on the Gold Coast last week.

Growers, researchers and supply chain representatives – all involved in ensuring Aussie consumers have access to their favourite fruit – gathered at RACV Royal Pines Resort for the industry’s biennial event.

Banana Congress concluded with the Banana Ball, a chance to recognise the incredible efforts of a diverse range of people contributing to the $600 million industry.

Leon Collins, chair of the Australian Banana Growers’ Council, said Congress – and the Ball itself – provide a chance to step back from the day-to-day of farming to acknowledge those who have contributed so much to the industry.

“Now, more than ever, we are time poor and juggling the realities of farming with increasing red tape.

“Combined with biosecurity concerns and all of our personal commitments, to say this opportunity is rare is a bit of an understatement.”

Mr Collins noted the growers, advocates and researchers who received an award truly represented the best qualities of the industry. 

“We are lucky to have so many people who have dedicated themselves not only to their own farm, business or research field – but to bettering bananas in Australia and around the world.

The ABGC also announced two new Life Members: Barry Lowe and Dennis Howe (the latter posthumously).

“It was a wonderful chance to acknowledge these giants of our industry – and it’s pretty remarkable to see the next generations of their families involved in agriculture too,” Mr Collins said.

Life Membership is a rare honour, last given out by the ABGC Board some 10 years ago.

“I couldn’t imagine two more fitting people to be recognised in this way,” he added.

“I congratulate those who were acknowledged with an award, and I hope that everyone involved in Congress more broadly took home a renewed sense of purpose and some practical tips.”

2025 Banana Industry Awards

Future Farming Award: Gavin Eilers

Recognises a banana grower who not only runs a productive farming operation, but goes above and beyond to champion practices that benefit both the environment and the broader industry.

Gavin Eilers has long been a trusted figure in the banana industry. He is known for his practical knowledge, willingness to share, and strong connections across the grower community. His contribution to the Best Management Practice program has been significant—not only as a participant but as a partner. Gavin regularly supports other growers in adopting best practice and has been a valuable sounding board for the BMP team on everything from paddock design to nutrient management.

His involvement in the Nutrient Rate Project has helped drive real change. By helping build a stronger understanding of nitrogen and phosphorus use in banana farming, Gavin is supporting long-term environmental improvements that will benefit not just his own farm, but farms across the region.

Beyond this, Gavin plays an important mentorship role—particularly with more than 20 Punjabi growers supplying fruit to Tropicana. Whether it’s weekend visits to check on paddocks or answering questions late into the evening, Gavin gives his time freely and with purpose.

Industry Champion (sponsored by Freshcare): Jim Pekin

Recognises someone who works in the supply chain, or in advocacy, for example, who has shown next-level dedication in furthering the interests of our industry.  

Jim Pekin is the former Chief Executive Officer of ABGC and began his tenure in the wake of Cyclone Yasi. He worked tirelessly on behalf of commercial banana growers for 11 years and left behind a remarkable legacy, particularly through his role in the management of TR4 in Queensland. Jim assisted the ABGC board in the purchase of the first property found to have TR4 in Tully, then played a role in the development and implementation of a focussed biosecurity program.

Banana Research Excellence (sponsored by All Round Australia Recycling): Tony Pattison

While we’ve long celebrated the role of our world-leading researchers in growing and future-proofing Australian bananas, this new category specifically recognises someone working in the banana science/research space.

Tony Pattison has been based at South Johnstone for 30 years, working principally on soil borne issues faced by the banana industry in the surrounding region. Highly regarded and in demand in the soil health discipline – both here and across the globe –  he always finds time to share his knowledge with others.  We saw his action and dedication in this space through several presentations during the Banana Congress.

Awards of Honour: Chris Collins (WA) and Sellars Bananas (QLD)

Recognising industry-minded growers who are generous with their time and knowledge. They’ve also played a role in bettering our industry and are just all-round excellent growers.

Chris Collins has been instrumental in the success of the Carnarvon Sweeter Banana Cooperative. A true advocate for the Western Australian industry, he not only works on his own farm, but he chairs the cooperative and fronts campaigns and media when necessary to promote their fruit. Working with the cooperative, he’s embraced innovative options for waste – like those freeze dried bananas we heard about during the Congress – and he’s guided growers through their fair share of natural disasters.

Sellars Bananas have an exceptional reputation within industry – and with anyone who tastes their fruit, really. Innovative, hard-working and always willing to share, Naomi and her sister Belinda created something very special at Mission Beach, taking over from their father who established the business in the late 1960s.

Naomi was at the Ball to accept the award, but the ABGC also wishes to recognise more than 20 years of hard work from Belinda, who lost her battle with cancer in 2020.