As former chairman of the Australian Banana Growers' Council imports committee, Tully grower Len Collins is well known for the insightful leadership he brought to the campaign to keep Australia free from imported banana pests and diseases.

Len spearheaded a four-pronged scientific, legal, political and public awareness response on behalf of Australian industry when the Australian Government began an import risk analysis in 2000 after the Philippines lodged an application to export bananas.

Attending the dinner were Senator Ron Boswell and Member for Hinchinbrook Andrew Cripps, along with Len's chosen successor as imports chairman Patrick Leahy, and prominent banana families such as the MacKays, the Whites, the Fleglers and the Johnstons.

The ABGC presented Mr Collins with a limited edition book, A Salute to Leadership, which encapsulates the essence of the 10-year campaign and includes tributes.

ABGC chief executive Tony Heidrich said Len has the innate qualities of a natural born leader - a combination of quiet confidence, determination, decisiveness and clear thinking.

"As I came to know Len better, I also came to appreciate his many other qualities: his passion for the banana industry, his love and respect for family, his moral compass, his social conscience, his self-belief and laser-like focus, his work ethic, his wit and good humour, and especially his loyalty," Mr Heidrich said.