Women in Landscaping: Give to Gain for a more resilient industry
Over 120 members and guests of The Landscape Association (TLA) gathered for the annual Women in Landscaping Brunch on 24 March, 2026, to celebrate the role of women in the industry, alongside International Women’s Day (IWD). With a fresh new format, the Artarmon event showcased insights from our keynote speaker, Sally McGrath, under the IWD theme, #GivetoGain. The atmosphere was optimistic, with attendees gathering to engage deeply with the keynote theme, ‘Built to last: Creating resilient owners, leaders and teams for the landscape industry.’
Stories that inspire
Our Keynote Speaker, Sally McGrath, from Health that Heals, shared personal insights and stories that set the tone for a powerful and engaging session. Among the key themes explored, Sally addressed several pressing challenges facing the industry today, including rising fuel costs, increasing operational pressures and the accelerating pace of work. She also emphasised the importance of shifting our mindset, noting that resilience begins with recognising what needs to change and taking intentional steps to adapt.
Strengthen Wellbeing and Team Performance
Sally inspired attendees with a series of powerful insights designed to strengthen wellbeing and performance across the industry. She encouraged participants to rethink how they approach pressure, recovery, and team culture, highlighting some key takeaways such as:
- Recovery is a strategy essential for building resilience.
- Burnout is not weakness and recognising the signs matters.
- Strong teams thrive when supported by intentional, healthy workplace practices.
Industry Support & Future Vision
Aligned with the theme “Give to Gain”, TLA President Shannon Decker drew attention to the power of contribution and connection in strengthening the industry. He emphasised that real progress is built through the actions people take to support one another, ‘Progress does not just happen, it happens when people choose to support others, open doors and create opportunities. When women in our industry are supported to thrive, we all gain; stronger businesses, better teams and a more resilient industry.’
Jodie Dean, CEO of The Landscape Association, spoke about the power of collective resilience, noting that the industry grows stronger when people share their time, knowledge and support. She concluded, ‘When we invest in ourselves and each other, we create stronger, more sustainable outcomes for everyone.’
The event was generously supported by Gold Sponsor NextMinute and Silver Sponsors StoneSet Permeable Paving, Straightcurve Garden Edge, Bunnings Trade, AndreasensGreen, ShapeScaper and Green by Nature.
The diverse mix of attendees embraced the chance to connect with peers, build cross‑industry networks, and share their experiences – a true reflection of this year’s ‘Give to Gain’ theme, which celebrates the collective strength and success of women across the landscaping industry.
About The Landscape Association
The Landscape Association (TLA) is the peak industry body for landscaping in NSW and the ACT. TLA provides resources, industry insights, and support to help landscaping professionals grow their businesses and stay ahead of industry trends.