Student excellence, outstanding mentorship and an innovative living-classroom partnership were all recognised in a landmark evening for the Ironwood community.
Ironwood Institute is celebrating three significant honours from the 2026 Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH) Awards, recognising achievement across every level of horticultural education – from an outstanding student and a dedicated educator to an innovative partnership delivering practical environmental outcomes across Adelaide.
The awards were presented at the AIH Awards Dinner on Saturday 5 September at the National Wine Centre of Australia, as part of the Institute’s 2026 Biennial Conference and Awards weekend, themed Plants, People, Planet.
Elizabeth Krainz named Horticultural Student of the Year
Elizabeth (Ellie) Krainz was named the 2026 AIH Horticultural Student of the Year following the successful completion of her Diploma of Horticulture Management at Ironwood Institute.
Elizabeth (Ellie) Krainz, centre-right, celebrates her 2026 AIH Horticultural Student of the Year Award with members of the Ironwood community and project partners.
The award recognises Ellie as an exceptional emerging horticulturist whose leadership, commitment and professional approach distinguish her among South Australia’s next generation of horticultural professionals. Her achievement also highlights the important role vocational education plays in developing the skilled practitioners and industry leaders Australia needs for the future.
“Ellie demonstrates the qualities we want to see in the next generation of horticulturists. Her commitment to her studies, her leadership and her approach to the profession show what can be achieved when talented people are given the skills, knowledge and opportunities to develop through vocational education.”
Alan Burnell, President, Australian Institute of Horticulture
Dr Kalyan Dhanagopalan receives inaugural Mentorship Award
Ironwood educator Dr Kalyan Dhanagopalan received the inaugural AIH Mentorship Award, recognising more than 15 years of dedication to horticultural education in Australia and his outstanding contribution to the next generation of industry professionals.
During his time at Ironwood, Dr Dhanagopalan has mentored more than 3,000 horticulture students. His teaching connects classroom science with industry practice and the broader role horticulture plays in communities. Through encouragement, knowledge-sharing and sustained mentorship, he has helped students build the confidence and skills to pursue successful careers across the industry.
Left: Costa Georgiadis, Dr Kalyan Dhanagopalan and Navtej Bal at the presentation of the inaugural AIH Mentorship Award. Right: Dr Dhanagopalan addresses guests at the awards evening.
“Dr Kalyan Dhanagopalan is a wonderful example of someone who has dedicated his career to helping young people discover their potential. His commitment to more than 3,000 students is an extraordinary contribution to both those individuals and the future of our profession.”
Alan Burnell, President, Australian Institute of Horticulture
Living-classroom partnership wins Green Space Environmental Award
The Ironwood Urban Horticulture & Landscape Partnership received the 2026 AIH Green Space Environmental Award for its innovative model bringing together vocational education, industry and local government to help create a greener Adelaide.
The partnership between Ironwood Institute, the City of Adelaide and the National Wine Centre of Australia turns urban landscapes into living classrooms. Students apply their skills in real-world environments while contributing to urban greening, biodiversity and sustainable landscape practices.
By learning within working landscapes, students gain a deeper understanding of urban horticulture and landscape management while developing the practical skills expected by employers. The model demonstrates how collaboration can benefit learners, industry and the environmental health and liveability of the city.
Left: Navtej Bal, Matt Sexton, Andrew Bruce and Arborgreen representative Kathryn Oosthuizen celebrate the Green Space Environmental Award. Right: Navtej Bal speaks about the Ironwood Urban Horticulture & Landscape Partnership.
“The Ironwood Urban Horticulture & Landscape Partnership is doing something really exciting by turning the city itself into a living classroom. Students are gaining practical skills and experience, while at the same time contributing to urban greening, biodiversity and more sustainable landscapes.”
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The award was accepted by Andrew Bruce from the National Wine Centre of Australia, Matt Sexton, Horticulture Team Leader at the City of Adelaide, and Navtej Bal, CEO and Managing Director of Ironwood Institute.
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Recognition across the Ironwood community
Together, the three awards recognise the people and partnerships at the heart of Ironwood’s approach to horticultural education: talented students, educators who invest in their potential, and industry-connected learning that creates tangible benefits for the wider community.
With horticulture offering more than 200 career pathways across production, landscapes, arboriculture, parks and gardens, environmental management and therapeutic horticulture, this recognition reinforces the value of practical, industry-led education in preparing a skilled and adaptable workforce.
Ironwood congratulates Ellie and Dr Dhanagopalan and thanks the City of Adelaide, the National Wine Centre of Australia and the Australian Institute of Horticulture for their leadership, collaboration and commitment to the future of the profession.
