Edward Bunker

International Award of Honor, 2001

Edward Bunker was instrumental in forming the Australian Region of IPPS.  Several Australians expressed interest in IPPS and became members of US regions until Edward and Jim Wells started corresponding and made the possibility of an Australian Region a reality.  Edward was the first Australian IPPS President, serving a two-year term.  He continues to attend the majority of Australian Region Conferences for IPPS and is always ensuring that new members feel welcome. 

Edward returned to his family's property after schooling as he was always a keen gardener, encouraged by his grandmother and aunt in his love of plants.  Gradually, the farm changed to an ornamental production nursery as a result of Edward's passion and interest in this field. 

Edward is always ready to "seek and share" and has presented several papers at IPPS meetings over the years.  He received one of the Australian Region Bicentennial Awards for significant contribution to the IPPS in 1988 and the Australian Region Award of Honour in 1991.  He was also elected to Vice-President of the International Board in 1990, becoming the President in 1991.  Outside of IPPS, he has served on many committees for various nursery organizations as well as received many awards for his contributions to the industry.