General News
8 April, 2026
Rose’s love of orchids
WHEN Rose Caltabiano first started with two orchid plants in 1976, she had no idea they would spark a lifelong passion, one that would take her across the world, earn her stacks of trophies and cement her as one of Far North Queensland’s most respected orchid growers and judges.
Today, at 82, Mrs Caltabiano is still collecting awards, mentoring new growers and finding joy in every new bloom.
A dominant figure in the North Queensland Orchid Society Cairns, she has consistently produced award-winning orchids and held an impressive collection of perpetual trophies. For the past two years, she has claimed the prestigious Robert (Bob) Nevins Shield for most aggregate points for the year, an honour she also secured in 2018 and 2019. The shield, dating back to the 1980s, recognises the grower who earns the highest points and most popular votes across the year.
At last year’s awards in Cairns, she once again “scooped the pool,” taking home the Lewis (Lew) Heyer Memorial trophy for aggregate points oncidinae, commonly known as dancing ladies. She has now won this trophy for three consecutive years (2023, 2024 and 2025) and claimed this accolade when it started in 2018.
The Vandaceous Alliance trophy, donated by John and Margaret Moss, has also found a familiar home with Mrs Caltabiano, who won it in 2015, 2016 and again in 2025. She has also secured the Ken Gorey Trophy for any other variety of orchid multiple times, in 2015, 2016, 2018, as well as the past two years.
Since its introduction in 2023, Mrs Caltabiano has dominated the Tropical Queensland Orchid Council trophy for orchid plant – first flower, winning it three years running.
Overall trophy winners across all categories are determined at monthly meetings held in Edmonton from February to November, with growers’ plants earning points through placings and popularity votes.
Her love of growing things began as a child when she helped her father Francesco in the family vegetable garden, a memory she still treasures.
“I’ve always loved growing things,” she said, “but orchids became something special.”
Mrs Caltabiano is also the longest serving orchid judge in Far North Queensland, beginning her judging career in 1988. Her accreditation required five years of study and regular travel to orchid shows.
As a member of the Australian Orchid Council, she has judged at local agricultural shows and major orchid events across Australia and overseas, including World Orchid Conferences in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and national conferences in Townsville, Mackay, Brisbane and Perth.
“Orchid growing is exciting because there are always new breeds and varieties,” she said.
“My hobby has taken me travelling, introduced me to lifelong friends and it keeps me active physically and mentally.”
Since 2020, she has shared her knowledge with a group of 14 orchid enthusiasts who meet monthly at her home or other members’ houses.
This August marks 50 years since Caltabiano joined the Innisfail Orchid Society, where she received life membership more than two decades ago. She also served as an orchid steward at the Innisfail and District Show Society for 28 years.
Read More: Innisfail