Growcom announces new CEO

Growcom, the peak industry body for Queensland horticulture, has appointed Rachel Chambers as its new chief executive.

Growcom chair Belinda Frentz welcomed Chambers and said the company’s members would be well served by Chambers’ diverse background and strong reputation for future-focused, data-driven advocacy.

“The Growcom board’s mandate to Chambers includes ensuring the needs of Growcom’s members are met through optimising the structural and operational needs of the business,” Frentz said.

Chambers comes to Growcom after a short-term contract with the Local Government Association Queensland (LGAQ) as the lead transport and logistics. Prior to her role at LGAQ she served as mayor of the North Burnett for six years and has worked in economic development, education, health, and small business.

Chambers said she was immensely grateful to the Growcom board for entrusting her with their vision.

“The responsibility Growcom has to advocate for and improve outcomes on behalf of its members is one I don’t take lightly,” Chambers said.

“I look forward to building on Growcom’s strong advocacy platforms and shaping an organisation where members are the foundation on which all our knowledge, understanding and resulting actions are based.

“I have a firm belief that to understand completely you must experience it yourself, so I will be an active chief executive right across Queensland, because as we all know, there are not too many farms in Brisbane on George Street.”

Chamber said she would strongly represent the members of Queensland’s horticulture industry when lobbying government.

“What is near George Street however are politicians. The familiar saying, ‘It takes one to know one’ rings true in this case, as after spending the last six years as a politician I have learnt the art of being able to navigate, communicate and negotiate with government.

“The horticulture sector will need unity, strength, leadership, and innovation to overcome the current challenges being thrown its way.

“Growcom has been a partner in horticulture for many years, and I will ensure we continue to have the industry’s back into the future as we ride out this next chapter together.”