Award a surprise for fruit industry stalwart

A lifetime of growing and improving the apple and pear industry was rewarded last week when one Manjimup fruit grower was recognised with an award.

Newton Orchards’ Harvey Giblett said he was completely unaware he was even being considered for the Apple and Pear Australia Limited Lifetime Achievement Award in Melbourne on June 24.

“I was with my partner and went to Melbourne on the understanding that we were going for the Shire of Manjimup to receive an award,” Mr Giblett said.

“I was humbled that I was nominated and awarded for services for something I had chosen to do with my life.

“I didn’t set out to win awards, I’ve always just been passionate about doing the best I could do for the industry.”

Mr Giblett said in addition to receiving the award, it was also nice to catch up with friends in the industry he had not seen in a while.

He said listening to the presenter list everything he had done in his time in the pome industry was amazing because he had not realised he had been involved in so much.

“I’ve always been passionate about producing something that’s healthy and good for people.”

Mr Giblett has just finished his 54th apple season.

Over the years, Mr Giblett said the biggest changes he had seen in the industry included the massive leaps forward in technology and the use of marketing for products.