Hort Innovation has updated its current Board Director recruitment process following Chair Julie Bird’s decision to step down from the Board shortly after the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), alongside the planned Chair transition.

Ms Bird’s departure will create a casual vacancy under the Hort Innovation Constitution. The vacancy carries a three-year term, reflecting the remainder of her current term, and the vacancy must be filled by Board appointment from candidates nominated by the Director Nomination Committee.

Hort Innovation has previously announced it is seeking applications for two Non-Executive Director positions, each with a four-year term, arising through scheduled Board rotation. This recruitment process is now being expanded to include the additional three-year vacant position, and application period has been extended until 5.00pm, Monday 27 July 2026.

Hort Innovation Chair Julie Bird said the additional vacancy presented an opportunity to further strengthen the Board as the organisation prepares to deliver its next strategic chapter.

“Hort Innovation has strong foundations in place, a clear strategy for the years ahead, and an important role to play in supporting a productive and profitable horticulture sector,” Ms Bird said.

“Including this additional vacancy in the current recruitment process gives the opportunity to consider a broader mix of skills and experience needed to support delivery of Strategy 2031 and maintain momentum through an orderly Board transition.

“This is about setting Hort Innovation up for continued success, with the right capability around the Board table to guide the organisation into its next chapter.”

Applications are now invited from candidates with skills and experience in:

• finance, accounting and audit;  
• export, market development and market access;  
• public policy and administration;  
• technology and digital transformation, and  
• promotion, marketing and communications.

The Director Nomination Committee will consider the additional vacancy when assessing applications and nominating candidates as part of the 2026 Director election process. Following the AGM, the Board will appoint a candidate to fill the casual vacancy, drawing from the pool of individuals considered and nominated through the Director nomination process.

Interested applicants should refer to the Rimfire Resources website to access the Director Applicant Information Pack and submit their application online.