Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens recognised with Heritage Council Award

The Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens have been recognised with an award from the Heritage Council of Victoria for their work over three decades for the Gardens.

Since their establishment in 1985, the Friends have undertaken wonderful work, conserving heritage elements within the Geelong Botanic Gardens, educating visitors about the history of the Gardens and conducting comprehensive studies of the site. The Heritage Council award was presented by Professor Stuart Macintyre, chair of the Heritage Council of Victoria in Geelong on 26 August.

“The Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens have been instrumental in educating people about this fabulous heritage garden and its interesting history for 30 years. Through guided tours, talks, exhibitions, education and studies they have promoted and preserved the heritage of the Geelong Botanic Gardens.”

“The Heritage Council was impressed by the vibrancy of the Friends and its wide scope of activities,” Mr Macintyre said.

The Eastern Park and Geelong Botanic Gardens are of historical, scientific (botanical) and aesthetic significance to the State of Victoria and they are included in the Victorian Heritage Register. In addition to a framed certificate, the Friends have received a $2000 donation from the Heritage Council as part of the award.

The Heritage Council of Victoria recognises community organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the preservation of the heritage of the state with this award. It is given out on merit and previous award winners include the See Yup Temple, the Chewton Domain Society and the Dimboola Historical Society.