Green thumb runs in family

Had Liane Collins been asked two years ago where she would be today, she would never have imagined she would have a greenhouse as an office and a Diploma of Conservation and Land Management from Charles Darwin University on her wall.

The former business woman and mother of three teenagers turned to her family history for career inspiration after closing her art supplies shop three years ago.

During her six-month search, she discovered she came from a long line of horticulturalists and farmers.

“Being on the land is in my blood,” Ms Collins said.

“The first step towards enrolling at CDU was the hardest part, and it took a big leap of faith to try something totally new.

“I was anxious, but my lecturers set me on the right path and their faith in me played a big part in my success.”

Ms Collins said the Vocational Education and Training course suited her commitments, allowing her to work weekends at a local nursery and volunteer her spare time at the Weeds Branch and the NT Herbarium.

She is now employed with Greening Australia, where she gets her hands dirty on a daily basis with native seed collection, plant identification, propagation, pest management and preparing plant orders for dispatch to clients.

“My only regret is not starting my studies earlier.”

Liane will receive her award at today’s CDU graduation ceremony in Darwin.