The word legend is often overused, but in the world of horticulture, particularly in Central Australia, few names carry as much respect as this year’s Outback Achiever award recipient, Geoff Miers.

For almost fifty years, Geoff has studied, taught, and shared his deep knowledge of Central Australian flora. Organisations, corporations, and individuals frequently seek his advice - whether to identify rare plants, design resilient gardens, or nurse struggling trees back to health.

Since arriving in Alice Springs in 1977, Geoff’s passion for the environment and gardening has inspired thousands of Centralians, as well as enthusiasts across Australia and abroad.

Born in Horsham, Victoria, Geoff was the eldest of three children. His childhood was filled with sport, school and a love of exploring. Growing up in an era when children roamed freely, he spent countless hours in the bush building cubbies, pressing wildflowers, collecting bird eggs, and fishing. “I was always outdoors,” he recalls.

At fourteen, Geoff’s family moved from Apsley to Kew. After finishing at Kew High School, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Economics from La Trobe University, followed by teacher training at Melbourne Teachers’ College. He began his teaching career in Morwell, where he eventually became head of the junior high school.

In late 1976, Geoff and two friends eager to embrace the unknown, set off on a road trip around Australia. Their destination was Darwin, but on Australia Day 1977, they arrived in Alice Springs and were advised not to continue further north. What was meant to be a brief stopover became a lifelong home for Geoff.

Geoff soon found work with Bob Dalby, helping to complete and stock the newly built Alice Springs Nursery with 10,000 plants. When the project ended, he began taking gardening jobs, eventually starting Geoff’s Gardening Service.

“For two years I learned how to manage this environment,” Geoff says. “How to manage gardens here. I never put a plant in the ground for two years - all I did was observe and study.”

Geoff’s lifelong partner and greatest supporter, Kaye, has been integral to his success. The two met at the front door of the house they still share in Old Eastside. Three months later, Geoff proposed; and just 51 days after their engagement, they were married at the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens.

Together, they built their business from the ground up – literally - propagating plants in their backyard and selling them at their nursery on Lindsay Avenue. Life was busy: raising daughters Nina and Anna, running the nursery, consulting, writing for newspapers and magazines, lecturing at CDU, appearing on radio, volunteering and advocating for the environment.

“There wasn’t much time for anything else,” Geoff admits.

In 1981, Geoff transformed The Residency into an exhibition that amazed Alice Springs locals. It was then he realised the power of plants to inspire, to create atmosphere and to bring people together.

“I’ve always said Alice is an interesting, creative town. A third of the population changes every three years, so new people are constantly learning how to garden here. That creates enthusiasm and a strong sense of community.”

Thanks in part to Geoff’s influence, Central Australia’s gardening culture has evolved dramatically. In the 1970s, green lawns were the dream. In the 1980s, palm trees appeared. Today, thanks to decades of advocacy, native plants are celebrated for their beauty and sustainability.

Geoff has long championed the importance of sustainable horticulture in the desert. One of the greatest challenges, he says, is providing access to suitable native shrubs and encouraging local councils to fully implement their Green Strategies.

“We should be choosing species that need a little water for the first few years, less after that, and eventually none at all. That’s real sustainability.”

When asked whether young people appreciate the importance of caring for the native environment, Geoff reflects, “On one level, yes—and on another, no. Many people understand what to do, but they’re not ‘doing’.”

Geoff’s community involvement reaches well beyond horticulture. He has served on the Alice Springs Town Council (three years as Deputy Mayor), been active in sporting groups, worked with the RSPCA, and sat on local, territory, and national boards of Greening Australia and RSPCA.

His enthusiasm is contagious. “Even now,” he says, “I train volunteers, take on WWOOFers from around the world, and teach them about arid-zone gardening.”

Of all his achievements, Geoff takes the most pride in the living legacy he has planted across Alice Springs. “Seeing trees in the CBD thriving, avenues of trees I grew 30 years ago—it’s nice to know we’ve helped shape the town’s streetscape and mindset. We’ve moved away from ‘southern gardening’ to a true understanding of arid-zone horticulture.”

Leading experts from across the country continue to call him for advice on what will grow in arid regions. With no clear successor, Geoff is now writing a guide on irrigation in arid Australia—ensuring his knowledge endures.

“My whole life has been about teaching and passing on information,” he says. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Integrity, sincerity and community spirit have defined Geoff’s life. “I admire the quiet achievers—the people who help their community without recognition. Valuing community is critical.”

He remains deeply optimistic about Alice Springs. “This town still offers the same opportunities it did 50 years ago. If you want to put your head down and do something, you can. It’s a wonderful community, and I just try to contribute as much as I can.”

Teaching, coaching, volunteering, fundraising, sharing and building community - these are the hallmarks of Geoff Miers, a true Outback Achiever.

Leaving St Philip's?