Conference
Friday October 3 and
Saturday October 4, 2025
Woolgoolga High School Auditorium
This triennial event is the celebration of orchid culture, science, recent practices and trends in orchid development, biotechnology, and conservation.
The two-day lecture program will be presented by 4 distinguished international Orchid experts and 5 Australia-wide world-renowned experts.
Dr. Fred Clarke, an Accredited Judge in the South Pacific Judging region, a passionate orchid grower dedicated to developing orchid hybrids and producing select species for the orchid enthusiast.
We are so lucky to attract Wenqing Perner, proficient in four languages, who has tirelessly dedicated her life to the conservation of Chinese orchid species. Wenqing is a respected grower, international lecturer, botanical tour guide and environmental educator. Wenqing will be speaking about Paphiopedilums.
Furthermore, we have Chu Xuan Canh of Vietnam another international expert who will also be speaking about the uniquely, showy slipper orchids – Paphiopedilums. He specialises in growing and propagating this genus.
Another international speaker is Ximena Portillo of Ecuador. Through a life and career devoted to tourism and conservation, Ximena is well attuned to the beautiful landscapes, biodiversity, and culture of Ecuador.
Additional speakers are Scott Barrie of Barrita Orchids who has achieved significant advancements in refining Sarcochilus. Scott also specialisesin breeding Oncidiums; Cymbidiums, and Zygopetalums.
Chris Cobb of Northern Queensland’s subject is Tropical Dendrobiumsand their hybrids,
particularly in the Cape York region.
Dr. Ashley Field, University of Queensland, will be speaking exclusively on Phalaenopsis
rosenstromii, its distribution and the climatic conditions of these wonderful plants growing in situ in the rainforests of northern Queensland.
David Banks, is a leading expert on native Australian orchids (especially Indian Dendrobiums), and rare and unusual orchids. A world-renowned author, traveller and photographer.
Conference Dinner Speaker is Michael Coker, Principal with the Law firm Piper Alderman;
President (OSCOV) Orchid Societies Council of Victoria; President North-East Melbourne Orchid Society; Associate to the Directors
of the Australian Orchid Foundation and is an experienced speaker and passionate orchid
grower.