Costa Georgiadis and artist Rob McHaffie at the National Portrait Gallery’s Spring Family Day, where the people’s choice portrait was unveiled. Photo: National Portrait Gallery.
Costa Georgiadis has been unveiled as the subject of the National Portrait Gallery’s latest major commission, following his win in the 2024 People’s Portrait vote.
The new work, painted by Castlemaine artist Rob McHaffie, was revealed at the Gallery during its Spring Family Day as part of a program of free activities that drew a strong crowd of families, gardeners and art lovers.
The People’s Portrait gave the public the chance to identify someone missing from the national collection. Georgiadis, best known as host of ABC’s Gardening Australia, was chosen from a shortlist of 25 Australians. Voters highlighted his enthusiasm, positivity and passion for the natural environment, as well as his ability to connect with people of all ages.
Georgiadis said being chosen by the public made the recognition especially meaningful.
“Making art is similar to creating a garden, in that it requires research, planning, creativity and lots of time and patience,” he said.
“I’m thrilled to be given this honour, and am humbled that the public voted for me.”
McHaffie’s portrait depicts Georgiadis surrounded by plants and animals reflecting both his heritage and his love of gardening. Kangaroo paws, banksias and Queensland bottle trees are layered among olive branches, referencing his Greek background, while a Peron’s tree frog borrowed from Georgiadis’ garden pond appears in the foreground.
Costa Georgiadis with his portrait by Rob McHaffie Costa (it’s not ours it’s us), 2025. Photo: National Portrait Gallery.
National Portrait Gallery Director Bree Pickering described the work as a “joyful depiction” of a much-loved Australian.
“Costa is a beloved Australian and a leading voice in environmental sustainability. He has dedicated his life to sharing the joy of gardening with generations of Australians,” Bree said.
“Rob’s portrait captures Costa’s generosity and celebrates his connection with nature through layers of delicately rendered flora, fauna and landscape. This portrait encourages close looking and invites us to celebrate and deepen our relationship with the natural world.”
McHaffie, whose works are held in major state and national galleries, said painting Georgiadis had been a rewarding process.
“To have Costa sitting in my own backyard, sharing lengthy conversations about life and planning a portrait together, was incredible,” he said.
“I hope the painting captures the joy and spirit of a man who truly inspires the whole country to get grubby gardening and rewilding.”
Born in Melbourne in 1978, McHaffie studied at the Victorian College of the Arts and has exhibited widely in Australia and New Zealand over the past two decades.
His works are part of collections at major Australian galleries, including the National Gallery of Victoria, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
This portrait is his first to enter the National Portrait Collection.
The People’s Portrait campaign was supported by the Sid & Fiona Myer Family Foundation.
Saturday’s unveiling was followed by a day of family-friendly activities, including storytelling, craft workshops, an interactive tour and live music.
As part of the Spring Family Day, visitors were invited to explore the Gallery’s current exhibition, In Bloom, which looks at the symbolism of flowers through more than 50 portraits, new acquisitions and loans.
The Spring Family Space is open until 12 October, for more information on upcoming programs and events visit the National Portrait Gallery.
