We are delighted to announce the launch of Ian
McConachie AM’s highly anticipated book: ‘The Macadamia - Australia’s Gift To
The World’.
This is a story, never before recorded, by a pioneer and leader of the
Australian macadamia industry, who has dedicated much of his life to the
development of our industry and to protecting the unique Australian species
upon which it’s based.
Officially launched by Ian at AusMac2024 on the Gold Coast last week, the
324-page full colour book draws on a wealth of material collected by him over
decades to tell the story of the macadamia nut and the industry it supports.
This book is an absolute must read! Many AusMac attendees were lucky enough to
snag a copy and have it signed by the legend himself last week. If you weren’t
one of those lucky ones, you can find the book on sale online here and
at the bookstores listed below.
Ian has donated the book and all proceeds from its sale to protect macadamias
and their rainforest habitat.
Congratulations Ian on the launch of this brilliant industry resource, you
really are a macadamia legend!
About the book
In the Prologue, Ian explains his enthusiasm for this Australian icon and
expresses his devotion to the macadamia industry. From boyhood, he studied the
botany, distribution and history of the macadamia species, and he still finds
joy in learning about them.
After describing the habitat and botanical classification of macadamias, Ian
considers how the nuts were used by Australian Aboriginal People. He traces the
discoveries of early European explorers and botanists, and the experiences of
pioneering farmers and marketers in the nineteenth century. He describes the
expansion of plantings in the twentieth century, from the struggles of the
early commercial years to the post-World War II investments of farmers, factory
owners and marketers. He considers the contributions of CSR and the Australian
Macadamia Society to the development of the modern industry.
By guiding the reader along the short and sometimes rocky road to
commercialisation in Australia and overseas, Ian draws insights for the future
success of the macadamia industry.
‘This is a story with it
all: heroes, villains, wrong turns and lost ways, new inventions, David and
Goliath battles over international trade, and colourful characters – some with
a utopian vision, others perhaps driven by the dream of a quick profit.’
Jolyon Burnett, Former CEO Australian Macadamia
Society
About the author
Ian McConachie AM grew up in macadamia country, cracking nuts from single trees
in Brisbane backyards. With an eclectic mix of qualifications and experience in
industrial chemistry, food technology and business management, he embarked on a
career at the right time to play a leading role in the emerging macadamia
industry.
For over fifty years, Ian has worked on the science-based growing, processing,
quality control and promoting of macadamias in Australia and across the world.
He recently released a successful new macadamia variety to the industry MCT1.
Realising how few wild macadamias are left, he lobbied to protect the remaining
wild macadamia and their habitat, setting up the Macadamia Conservation Trust.
He was instrumental in getting the very rare Macadamia
jansenii described as a new species.
In 2006, Ian became a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the
macadamia industry. Retirement has not diminished his enthusiasm for
Australia’s rainforest nut and this book is the result of an early decision to
make his work his hobby. He lives with his wife Janet, still on macadamia
country, pursuing his passion for macadamias.
Book stores
Abbey's Bookshop, Sydney
Book Warehouse Lismore
Book Warehouse Ballina
Miles and Henry Bookstore Alstonville
Nutworks, Yandina
Dymocks 234 Collins St, Melbourne
Dymocks Adelaide
Dymocks Brisbane
Dymocks Bundaberg
Dymocks Canberra
Dymocks Chatswood
Dymocks Garden City WA
Dymocks George St, Sydney
Dymocks Hay Street, Perth
Dymocks Hobart
Dymocks Midland Gate, WA
Dymocks Parramatta
Dymocks Subiaco
Dymocks Tooronga
Dymocks Warringah Mall
Dymocks Waurn Ponds
Dymocks Wollongong