A CELEBRATION of the Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens\u2019 achievements was held at the Mining Exchange last week, marking the organisation\u2019s fortieth anniversary.<\/p>\n
More than 50 volunteers were recognised for their generous long-time service to the group, which has more than 100 active members dedicated to guiding visitors, growing plants in the nursery, and botanical art.<\/p>\n
President Terry O\u2019Brien said he enjoyed bringing new and foundation members together to mingle, reflect, and plan for the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got people who started the Friends off here, and we learn from them. But we\u2019re also looking down the path,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTonight\u2019s not too much about the past, but also looking forward as well. We\u2019re bringing in small changes to make sure we\u2019re here for the future, but the dedication of people is what\u2019s great about the Friends.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn last two days, for example, the celebration has been created by volunteer help; every chair, table cloth, the roses… It\u2019s terrific.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joan Garner was the Friends\u2019 first-ever president when they incorporated in the early-90s, and said she\u2019s always adored gardens.<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore we actually became the Friends, I worked with a group of councillors and likeminded people, building up towards forming a Friends group. We\u2019ve done very well,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a supporter of the gardens all the way. Right from when I started, it was obvious we needed something done about the fernery, and we were all concerned about that.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re still waiting for something worthwhile to be done, but looking forward to things moving on next year, with our fingers crossed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria director Tim Entwisle, FBBG\u2019s patron, said he was delighted to see the party go ahead.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a long time in the planning, and to have so many enthusiastic Friends in the room is wonderful,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt shows how much the people of Ballarat love their gardens, and how much these people in the room have contributed over 40 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact the gardens look so good, and that people come and enjoy them, is thanks to these wonderful people, the staff and council.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A CELEBRATION of the Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens\u2019 achievements was held at the Mining Exchange last week, marking the organisation\u2019s fortieth anniversary. More than 50 volunteers were recognised for their generous long-time service to the group, which has more than 100 active members dedicated to guiding visitors, growing plants in the nursery, and botanical […]<\/p>\n