The ANBG Library re-opened to visitors in April. The opening hours are Mon-Fri 9:30-4:30, but there are still restrictions on visitor numbers, so please call (02) 6250 9480 or email ANBG.Library@awe.gov.au before visiting. Friends can still access library materials via the 'Click and Collect' service: please contact the Librarian to discuss your requirements. The Library Connect newsletter is now also being published again, as a new books bulletin for the time being. The three most recent issues, with a list of the new books covered, are available for download.
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![Plaque acknowledging the Friends contribution to the project Plaque acknowledging the Friends contribution to the project](https://friendsanbg.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/news/IMG_20220427_145626_DM2.jpg?itok=k9iL3m_3)
Friends Lawn completed
The new Friends Lawn and associated works, including the re-aligned and re-modelled Main Path, the extended cafe deck and extensive new plantings, have now been completed. At a launch event on Wednesday 27 April, the Friends' substantial contribution to the project was acknowledged and this is now marked by a plaque adjoining the deck.
Anne Holmes takes over from Helen Elliot as Treasurer
Helen Elliot has now stepped down as Treasurer of the Friends after 7 years in this vital and demanding role. Council, and all the Friends who had dealings with Helen, extend their gratitude and appreciation for the tremendous job that she has done over the last 7 years.
Our new Treasurer is Anne Holmes, who recently moved to Canberra and joined the Friends. As well as being appointed to the Friends Council, Anne is now a member of the Friends Public Fund Management Committee.
Friends Constitution - Discussion Paper
The Friends Constitution has not been reviewed since it was last amended in October 2015. A review has found some inconsistencies between it and current best practice. Friends Council has prepared a discussion paper (MS Word .docx format, 52 KB) that identifies these inconsistencies, and proposes amendments to address them.
Council would welcome Members’ comments on this discussion paper before resolutions are formalised and put before a general meeting later this year. Comments on this discussion should be sent to ayliffelynden@gmail.com by 30 April 2022.
![Lesley Harland & John Fitz Gerald receive their 2021 ACT Volunteer Awards Lesley Harland & John Fitz Gerald receive their 2021 ACT Volunteer Awards](https://friendsanbg.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/news/Lesley%20Harland%20%26%20John%20Fitz%20Gerald%20Volunteer%20Awards%202021_0.jpg?itok=xSwiQQH_)
ACT Volunteer of the Year Award and the Canberra’s Choice Award
Lesley Harland and John Fitzgerald have won both the ACT Volunteer of the Year Award and the Canberra’s Choice Award!
![Flora Explorer on the road around the Gardens Photo: J.More Flora Explorer on the road around the Gardens Photo: J.More](https://friendsanbg.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/news/Flora%20March%202017_2_JMore_0.jpg?itok=sWuyCiF5)
Guided walks are back again, together with Flora Explorer tours and booked walks
Good news for visitors! Guides walks, Flora Explorer tours and Booked walks have recommenced after the COVID-19 lockdown.
![ANBG Volunteer Guides](https://friendsanbg.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/news/Guides_Opportunity_2021_360x234.jpg?itok=FdaFUxE3)
Volunteer Guide Opportunity
Do you have a passion for Australian plants? Do you enjoy the outdoors and spending time with like-minded people? Do you wish to expand your skills and knowledge? Then the Volunteer Guides Program at the Gardens is for you!
The Australian National Botanic Gardens is now recruiting for Volunteer Guides to start in 2022. No botanical background is required to apply. We offer a training program, mentorship and professional development opportunities to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need for guiding. Find out more
![](https://friendsanbg.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/news/Ian%20Potter%20National%20Conservatory%20viewing%20platform%20600x.jpg?itok=ExNVHPGT)
New viewing platform for Ian Potter Conservatory
Follow the old path from Pollen cafe, past the Ellis Rowan building towards the mountain and follow the sign to the new viewing platform overlooking the buiding site.
![Gang-Gang male Gang-Gang male](https://friendsanbg.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/news/Gang-gang%20male%20300x300.jpg?itok=z-4OsSa9)
Gang-Gangs in the Gardens
Several Friends have been recording observations of Gang-gangs in the Botanic Gardens for a week in February, May, August and November since 2014-15 and contributing the information as citizen scientists to research being done by the Canberra Ornithologists Group (COG).
There is increased concern about Gang-gangs, and the following is an invitation from COG to participate in recording observations of Gang-gangs in urban and non-urban environments as part of the data collection by COG and friends, and sponsored by the Federal Government. COG asks that photographs and other information be submitted to Canberra Nature Map any time you see them.
![Dr Sophie Lewis, ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment Dr Sophie Lewis, ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment](https://friendsanbg.org.au/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/images/news/rsz_Sophie_Lewis_%2020210616.jpg?itok=46-jB7E6)
Thursday Talks start again in February 2022
COVID-19 restrictions have caused postponement of so many interesting talks this year. The ANBG Theatrette is not available for Thursday Talks this month, and neither is Telstra Tower. Thursday Talks that were scheduled for November are being re-scheduled for dates next year.