Wake up with the Birds
2025-09-20 08:30 - 10:30 (Australia/Canberra)
8.30 am start (gates open at 8.15 am)
Observe amazing birdlife in the beautiful surrounds of the Australian National Botanic Gardens. In a small group, experience the Gardens early on a spring morning when the birds are nesting and at their most active. The walk of 1½ to 2 hours with expert bird guides includes plenty of time to stop and look!
Bookings essential: https://www.trybooking.com/DDJYZ
Cost: Friends’ members $15; non-members $20 (all proceeds go to projects in the Gardens)
Some binoculars will be provided, but bring your own if you have them.
Wear comfortable footwear and warm clothes.
(Please note: event not suitable for small children)

Questacon Mangroves Felting Workshop
2025-09-20 09:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Canberra)
If you attended the Questacon Mangroves exhibition, you will be excited learn that Questacon is now offering a Questacon Mangroves Felting Workshop with Melanie Tribe!
Please see exclusive link below for discounted early bird tickets. This price is valid until 29 August, after which time tickets will be full price.
Get your ticket here!
(or https://shop.questacon.edu.au/products/ and search for Mangroves felting workshop.)
Event: Questacon Mangroves Felting Workshop with Melanie Tribe
Date: Saturday 20th, Friday 26th or Saturday 27th September
Time: 9am – 3pm
Location: The Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre, 60 Denison Street DEAKIN
Cost: $190 (early bird price only)
Open to ages 16+
This Biodiversity month, learn how to make your own needle-felted mudskippers with Questacon!
You will be guided by Darwin-based and nationally renowned textile artist Melanie Tribe, who specialises in vibrant 3D needle felted sculptures. Melanie is also an experienced educator and has taught beginners the art of transforming wool fibres into textured, lifelike creations.
What you can expect

Enjoy 6 hours of expert instruction from textile artist Melanie Tribe in a small group of 14 participants
You will receive a kit with all the materials and tools, which you can take home and continue creating after the workshop
Take home your own felted mudskipper at the end of the workshop
Enjoy morning tea pastry, tea and coffee

We look forward to seeing you there!
Questacon Events Team
E: events@questacon.edu.au

Hannah Gerke ‘Life on the edge: personality and movement behaviour of urban brown snakes in Canberra’
2025-09-25 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra)
Hannah, a PhD candidate at ANU, will talk about the hundreds of Eastern brown snakes being translocated around the ACT each year. However, recent work has shown that moving reptiles long distances may have harmful impacts on brown snake behaviour and survival.
Abstract
Eastern brown snakes are the most common snake in urban Canberra, leading to hundreds translocated around the ACT each year. However, recent work has shown that moving reptiles long distances can have harmful impacts, and we don’t really know how translocation affects brown snake behaviour for survival. This research (as part of The Canberra Snake Tracking Project) seeks to understand if snakes have “personalities” and if personality influences how individual snakes respond to translocation.
Biography
Hannah is a PhD Candidate at the Australian National University. Her research focuses on human-wildlife conflict and the impacts of human activities on wildlife, particularly brown snakes.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFK
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFK
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Monthly Meeting
2025-09-26 00:00 - 23:59 (Australia/Canberra)
The meeting, which takes place at 10 am in the Theatrette, will feature presentations by Cristy Froehlich and Julia Landford from NatureArt Lab.
NatureArt Lab unites communities through art inspired by nature and provides short art courses, photography courses and workshops. They also offers immersive nature tours in Australia and around the world.
Cristy is a highly respected photographer and artist who shares her love of nature and art through teaching and nature tours. Julia, the Founding Director of NatureArt Lab, is an artist, educator and environmentalist, leading art, citizen science and environmental collaboration in Australia.
The meeting will also include our regular show and tell segment in which participants share their photographic works and the stories behind them.
Bring up to six images on a USB thumb drive if you wish to participate.

After Dark Walk in the Gardens (SOLD OUT)
2025-09-26 18:30 - 19:45 (Australia/Canberra)
SOLD OUT
Fun for young and old, explore the Gardens as it gets dark, observe the birds as they go to bed, discover animals that come out at night. Visiting the Gardens by torch and moonlight gives such a different feeling and perspective to visiting during the day.
This special family friendly event is for everyone aged 6 and over. Enjoy a one hour walk with the ANBG’s friendly Education Rangers who will take you into the Gardens and help you spot the night life.
Bookings essential: https://www.trybooking.com/DDKAR
Cost: $20 Friends members and their family members; $24 for non members.

Annabel Ellis ‘Bandicoots and the great truffle heist’
2025-10-02 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra)
Bandicoots usually forage for grubs, roots or fungi. However, the little diggers have developed a taste for expensive French black truffles, costing farmers up to $20k a year. Annabel, a PhD student at the University of Sydney, uses marsupial friendly strategies to discourage their gourmet tastes.
Biography
Annabel is a PhD student at the University of Sydney. She is researching non-injurious ways of deterring bandicoots from digging farmed truffles, her research is based at a truffle farm near Braidwood.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFM
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFM
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Black Mountain Weeding Work Party
2025-10-04 09:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Canberra)
Details of the next weeding work party (including the booking link) are:
Date: Saturday, 4 October 2025, 9:00 to 12 noon
We plan to remove lots of non-local acacia and other woody weeds
Meet: Caswell Drive entry on the mountain side.
Drive from Belconnen Way southwards along Caswell Drive towards Glenloch Interchange, Woden, or Tuggeranong. Note the yellow diamond shape advisory sign showing access road on left (mountain side) and the blue and white “P” sign for parking. Pull into the carpark carefully. Look for banners.
Bring: more of your friends if you wish, as everyone is welcome.
Wear: hat, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, stout shoes.
We shall break for delicious morning tea at about 10:30 am
Please book: if you are planning to come, please let us know by booking using this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CYPVM
This helps us to let you know if arrangements need to change at the last minute (for example, adverse weather conditions).
If you need further information, please contact me by email friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com or phone 0437 298 711.
We look forward to seeing you at our next weeding work party.
Linda Beveridge
Convenor, Friends of Black Mountain

Orchid Walks on Black Mountain [FULLY BOOKED]
2025-10-05 09:30 - 12:00 (Australia/Canberra)
Choose your time to book and to discover some spring flowering native terrestrial orchids and learn something more of this fascinating group of plants with Matt Mullaney, Shoko Okado, and Tobias Hayashi
DATE Sunday 5 October,
9:30am-12 noon & repeated 1:30 pm to 4:00pm
Yes, daylight saving starts that very day.
MEET at the car park on the mountain side of Caswell Drive. Look for FOBM banners; (from Belconnen Way drive south towards Glenloch Interchange)
BYO enthusiasm, hat, sunblock, water, stout shoes, & hand lens if you have one, and snacks of you wish.
BOOK Limited numbers for each walk. Choose the time you would like for the walk
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DEZQX [FULLY BOOKED]

Bill Waterhouse ‘Wombat rescue at Major’s Creek’
2025-10-09 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra)
Bill and his wife rescue injured wombats, especially pouch pinkies, in facilities that they developed at Major’s Creek especially for growing and rewilding them.
Biography
Bill is a retired Deputy Principal and bush band musician who continues to teaches music to primary school students. He is also Queanbeyan/Palerang Councillor.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFO
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFO
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Bill Waterhouse – ‘Wombat rescue at Major’s Creek’
2025-10-09 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Bill and his wife rescue injured wombats, especially pouch pinkies, in facilities that they developed at Major’s Creek especially for growing and rewilding them.
Biography
Bill is a retired Deputy Principal and bush band musician who continues to teaches music to primary school students. He is also Queanbeyan/Palerang Councillor.
Bookings open on 5 September at https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFO
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

54th Black Mountain spring wildflower ramble [FULLY BOOKED]
2025-10-11 09:30 - 12:00 (Australia/Canberra)
Celebrate the spring flowering on beautiful Black Mountain with a social ramble appreciating wildflowers in the tradition established by Nancy Burbidge, continued by George Chippendale, and then Jean Geue. Discover the surprising diversity of tiny orchids, bush peas, wattles and billy buttons on easy bush tracks with experienced guides and good company. All springs are not the same. The pattern remains but timing and abundance vary with the weather; after the weather we have had this year we are anticipating a special display of flowers. Friends of Black Mountain welcomes everyone, be they experts or those who have never slowed down to see the somewhat cryptic diversity. We plan several guides, with helpers, who will take different directions.
Please allow time to park and walk to the meeting point.
There will be some books for cash sale, including Black Mountain a natural history of a Canberra icon by Ian Fraser and Rosemary Purdie.
Meet at Belconnen Way entry just before Caswell Drive turnoff – watch for balloons or banners
BYO morning tea, water, hat, sunblock and stout shoes.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL to ensure we have enough guides. Please use this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DEWYB [FULLY BOOKED]
This will help us to contact you if changes are needed at short notice (e.g. bad weather).
If you have problems with that link, email names, addresses, and mobile phone numbers of each person you book to friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com
Linda Beveridge
Convenor, Friends of Black Mountain

54th Black Mountain spring wildflower ramble
2025-10-11 09:30 - 12:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Belconnen Way entry just before Caswell Drive turnoff – watch for balloons or banners, Belconnen Way entry just before Caswell Drive turnoff, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Celebrate the spring flowering on beautiful Black Mountain with a social ramble appreciating wildflowers in the tradition established by Nancy Burbidge, continued by George Chippendale, and then Jean Geue. Discover the surprising diversity of tiny orchids, bush peas, wattles and billy buttons on easy bush tracks with experienced guides and good company. All springs are not the same. The pattern remains but timing and abundance vary with the weather; after the weather we have had this year we are anticipating a special display of flowers. Friends of Black Mountain welcomes everyone, be they experts or those who have never slowed down to see the somewhat cryptic diversity. We plan several guides, with helpers, who will take different directions.
Please allow time to park and walk to the meeting point.
There will be some books for cash sale, including Black Mountain a natural history of a Canberra icon by Ian Fraser and Rosemary Purdie.
Meet at Belconnen Way entry just before Caswell Drive turnoff – watch for balloons or banners
BYO morning tea, water, hat, sunblock and stout shoes.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL to ensure we have enough guides. Please use this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DEWYB
This will help us to contact you if changes are needed at short notice (e.g. bad weather).
If you have problems with that link, email names, addresses, and mobile phone numbers of each person you book to friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com
Linda Beveridge
Convenor, Friends of Black Mountain

Photography Group Macro Photography Workshop
2025-10-11 10:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Celia Rosser Room, Banksia Centre, Australian National Botanical Gardens, Canberra, Australia
Graham Gall will lead a macro photography workshop on Saturday 11 October. It will cover both theory and practice and will run from around 10.00 am until 4.00 pm in the Celia Rosser room and surrounding gardens.
Graham is a highly professional photographer who has extensive experience in capturing stunning images of native Australian fauna and flora.
Participation is free for Photography Group members. No booking required.

Plant Recognition Group Workshop – Visit to the STEP garden
2025-10-13 13:30 - 15:30 (Australia/Sydney) | STEP entrance
The next Plant Recognition Group workshop will be a bit different as we will visit the Southern Tablelands Ecosystems Park (Forest 20) at the National Arboretum, which grows different species of eucalypt trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses typically found in the Southern Tablelands region of New South Wales and the ACT. We will be looking in particular at the Fabaceae or pea species that have been planted here.
We are fortunate that Bill Handke, Committee Member of STEP and Member of the Pea Flower Study Group of the Australian Native Plant Society (or PeaNuts) has kindly agreed to show us around.
Hand lenses will be available but please bring your own if you have one.
When: Monday 13 October 13.30 – 15.30.
Where: Meet at the entrance to the STEP Garden at the bottom of the main carpark at the Arboretum at 13.25.
Bookings ESSENTIAL: Please send your name and phone number to plantname@friendsanbg.org.au We will be able to accommodate a slightly larger group for this visit but need to know who will be attending.
Please advise at least a day in advance if you need to cancel your booking, so that a member on the waiting list can be offered the place.

Don Beer Memorial Talk: Tasha James ‘Endemics on the Edge: The Challenges of Conserving Mt Imlay Species’
2025-10-16 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra)
Tasha, a PhD student at University of Canberra and a holder of a Friends ANBG scholarship, is asking will Hibbertia circinata, Boronia imlayensis, and Eucalyptus imlayensis provide different insights into threatened species conservation on Mt Imlay and more broadly for threatened-species conservation?
Abstract
Mt Imlay (NSW) is home to several endangered endemic species which are limited to a small area on the summit and are subject to a combination of threatening processes including climate change, fire, and Phytophthora dieback.
This project has focused on three species: Hibbertia circinata, Boronia imlayensis, and Eucalyptus imlayensis. Tasha is researching each species to establish whether it would persist in situ, or require and/or rely upon ex situ efforts and populations to continue.
We used multiple data sources and methods to understand the species dynamics. Almost all the data for this project has been collected, and results are beginning to come together. However, as is often the case with ecological work, they are leading to more questions!
Biography
Tasha James is the holder of the Don Beer Memorial scholarship from the Friends of the ANBG and a PhD student at the University of Canberra. She researches endangered plant ecology and genetics with a focus on rare and endangered species. She collects data and samples from field surveys, drone surveying, Herbarium records and living collections to incorporate into a variety of analyses across population genetics, disease dynamics, and the influence of biophysical factors. Tasha collaborates with the Australian National Botanic Gardens and several Herbaria, with the aim to provide more insight into the unique dynamics of isolated endemic plants to increase the ability for conserving these often-fragile communities.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFP
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFP
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au

Tasha James – ‘Endemics on the Edge: The Challenges of Conserving Mt Imlay Species’ (Don Beer Memorial Talk)
2025-10-16 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Tasha, a PhD student at University of Canberra and a holder of a Friends ANBG scholarship, is asking will Hibbertia circinata, Boronia imlayensis, and Eucalyptus imlayensis provide different insights into threatened species conservation on Mt Imlay and more broadly for threatened-species conservation?
Abstract
Mt Imlay (NSW) is home to several endangered endemic species which are limited to a small area on the summit and are subject to a combination of threatening processes including climate change, fire, and Phytophthora dieback.
This project has focused on three species: Hibbertia circinata, Boronia imlayensis, and Eucalyptus imlayensis. Tasha is researching each species to establish whether it would persist in situ, or require and/or rely upon ex situ efforts and populations to continue.
We used multiple data sources and methods to understand the species dynamics. Almost all the data for this project has been collected, and results are beginning to come together. However, as is often the case with ecological work, they are leading to more questions!
Biography
Tasha James is the holder of the Don Beer Memorial scholarship from the Friends of the ANBG and a PhD student at the University of Canberra. She researches endangered plant ecology and genetics with a focus on rare and endangered species. She collects data and samples from field surveys, drone surveying, Herbarium records and living collections to incorporate into a variety of analyses across population genetics, disease dynamics, and the influence of biophysical factors. Tasha collaborates with the Australian National Botanic Gardens and several Herbaria, with the aim to provide more insight into the unique dynamics of isolated endemic plants to increase the ability for conserving these often-fragile communities.
Bookings open on 12 September at https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFP
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Friends 2025 Annual General Meeting
2025-10-16 15:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
The 37th Annual General Meeting of the Friends of the ANBG will be held on Thursday 16 October at 3pm in the Gardens Theatrette followed by light refreshments in the Dickson Room.
On the agenda will be the election for Secretary, Treasurer and four ordinary members of Council. If a current member of Council nominates for and is elected to another vacant position, there will be an additional vacancy for an Ordinary Member.
The agenda will also include reports from Dr Matthew Parker, Director ANBG, Science and ANBG, Parks Australia, Linda Beveridge, President and Rod King, Treasurer.
The AGM documents and information about how to nominate for the vacant positions:

Provisional Agenda for the 37th AGM (PDF, 171 KB)
Draft Minutes for the 36th Annual General Meeting (PDF, 208 KB)
Nomination Form (Word format) (DOCX, 2.9 MB)
Nomination Form (PDF format) (PDF, 79 KB)
Signed FANBG Financial Statements (PDF format) (PDF, 3.5 MB)

If you have any questions, please email secretary@friendsanbg.org.au
Apologies for the AGM
Please send apologies for the AGM to secretary@friendsanbg.org.au

Shelley Rowntree – ‘Unpicking the complexity of Chrysocephalum (Gnaphalieae, Asteraceae)’
2025-10-23 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Shelley, PhD candidate at the UNE and a holder of a Friends ANBG scholarship, will discuss the species limits and the dominant processes affecting the breeding and conservation of the Chrysocephalum genus.
Abstract
Shelley will look at questions about the Chrysocephalum genus, the limits of its species, and dominant processes affecting the breeding and conservation of Chrysocephalum.
The Gnaphalieae (paper daisy tribe, Asteraceae) are the largest tribe of Asteraceae in Australia, with c. 500 species. Relationships within clades remain unresolved, and generic concepts are often based on few morphological characters rather than demonstrated relatedness and inference of synapomorphies.
Chrysocephalum Walp is a medium-sized genus in the Australian Gnaphalieae occurring across all states of Australia. The project aims to answer the questions: (1) Does Chrysocephalum represent a cohesive genus? What is its relationship with other genera? (2) What are the limits of species within Chrysocephalum? What evolutionary processes explain the morphological complexity of the genus in eastern Australia? (3) What are the dominant processes affecting the breeding and conservation of Chrysocephalum?
Biography
Shelley Rowntree is a holder of a Friends ANBG scholarship and is now doing a PhD at the University of New England, Armidale, in collaboration with Centre of Australian National Botanic Research (CANBR).
Shelley left behind a career in IT to pursue her passion for plants. Her interests include the systematics and evolution of flowering plants, especially Asteraceae (daisy family) and Cyperaceae (sedges). She is passionate about documenting biodiversity and uses DNA sequence data and morphology to help make sense of diverse plant groups and evolutionary processes.
Bookings open on 19 September at https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFQ
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Growing Friends Spring 2025 Native Plant Sale – Exclusive Event for Friends, Staff and Volunteers
2025-10-25 09:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Banksia Centre Car Park, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Friends, Staff and Volunteers of the ANBG will have exclusive access to hundreds of plants from a large variety of groundcovers to familiar or unusual large and small shrubs. A limited number of ferns will also be for sale.
All plants are propagated from cuttings or seeds sourced from within the Gardens, and a full list of plants is available HERE.
Plants will cost $6 a pot. All proceeds go to the Friends to support the Gardens. Sales by card only.
The sale will take place in the Growing Friends Area, off the Banksia Centre carpark.

Gardening across the Generations
2025-10-25 10:00 - 11:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Patrick White Terrace, Canberra, ACT, Australia
The upcoming Canberra Writers Festival will feature a dedicated gardening panel this year, Saturday 25 October. There will be a plant swap on site. Details HERE.
Location: Patrick White Lawns
Gardening connects us to the land, to our food, and to one another. This panel explores gardening across generations and families, communities and ecosystems. Anna Matilda (Everyday Permaculture: Sustainable Living for Every Space), Chloe Foster (The Rookie Gardener) and Judy Friedlander (The Bee Squad: Boosting Biodiversity in your Neighbourhood) will explore how gardening can be passed down, reimagined and shared. From beginners planting their first seedling, to building thriving pollinator-friendly biodiverse homes and balconies, to experienced growers designing with permaculture in mind. Join this interactive session full of heart and wonder for our natural world. Moderated by ABC Canberra TV News anchor, journalist and long-time garden lover, Adrienne Francis.
https://tickets.canberrawritersfestival.com.au/Events/Gardening-Across-the-Generations

Dr Gemma Hoyle and Tom North – ‘National Seed Bank 2.0: Evolution of seed collection, banking and research for world class conservation’
2025-10-30 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Tom and Gemma, from the National Seed Bank here, will provide a ‘behind the scenes’ look at why the upgrade was necessary and how the new facility has been designed to ensure improved plant germplasm conservation and research.
Abstract
The ANBG is set to unveil a fully refurbished National Seed Bank (NSB) later this year, coined NSB2.0. Tom and Gemma will provide a ‘behind the scenes’ look at why the upgrade was necessary and how the new facility has been designed to ensure improved plant germplasm conservation and research.
Biographies
Tom North
Tom is the Curator at the National Seed Bank at the ANBG and leads the collecting program.
Dr Gemma Hoyle
Gemma is a Research Scientist at the National Seed Bank focusing on seed germination, dormancy and longevity to improve the conservation and management of Australia’s native flora.
Bookings open on 26 September at https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFR
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Black Mountain Weeding Work Party
2025-11-01 08:30 - 11:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Forest Loop Car Park, Black Mountain Drive, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
We thank our volunteers at our October work party who removed hundreds of woody weeds from the Woodland Walk area in the south west corner of Black Mountain Reserve.
We look forward to seeing you at our next weeding work party.
As the weather is warming up could we ask that you remember to wear a hat, please?
Details of the next weeding work party (including the booking link) are:
Date: Saturday, 1 November 2025, 8:30 to 11:30am
We plan to remove lots of the Sollya and other woody weeds near the Forest Loop Car Park.
Meet: Forest Loop Car Park, about 2/3 the way up Black Mountain Drive. Blue and white Parking sign points to the right.
Look for banners.
Bring: Water and more of your friends if you wish, as everyone is welcome.
Wear: HAT, sunscreen, summer-weight long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, stout shoes with closed toes.
We shall break for delicious morning tea at about 10:00am
Please book: if you are planning to come, please let us know by booking using this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CYPVN
This helps us to let you know if arrangements need to change at the last minute (for example, adverse weather conditions).
If you need further information, please contact me by email friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you at our next weeding work party.
Linda Beveridge
Convenor, Friends of Black Mountain

Jay Nicholson – ‘Why do some plants die while others survive? Exploring the impacts of extreme drought in the Red Centre’
2025-11-06 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Jay, a PhD candidate at ANU and has a Friends ANBG scholarship, works with Anangu, the Traditional Owners at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, to work out why certain culturally important species are dying, and what the future might be for Australia’s arid landscapes.
Abstract
After a record-breaking drought and heatwave in 2019, many desert plant species experienced a mass mortality event. He will discuss the interesting spatial patterns in mortality he observed, and how that links with plant measurements and environmental data. Come along to discover more about what the future looks like for Australia’s arid landscapes, and maybe even learn some Pitjantjatjara (Aboriginal language spoken at Uluru).
Biography
Jay Nicholson, a PhD candidate at ANU and a holder of a Friends ANBG scholarship, works with Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people (Anangu) at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Jay is passionate about hot and dry plants, especially desert plants. After working as a botanist in Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land, he moved to Canberra to chase his scientific curiosities.
Bookings open on 3 October at https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFT
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Josh Coates – ‘Australian alpine pollinators in a changing world’
2025-11-13 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Josh, a PhD Student at the ANU, will present his research in pollination ecology in Kosciuszko National Park, from the community level down to a few case studies of charismatic species such as the Bogong moth.
Abstract
Pollinators in Australia’s alpine ecosystems display unique adaptations that allow them to persist in a cold climate. Despite being buried under snow for half of the year, these harsh environments support a diverse array of flowering plants and insect pollinators. Unfortunately, these environments will also see some of the earliest and most severe effects of warming under climate change.
Biography
Josh is a final-year PhD Student at the Fenner School of Environment and Society ANU. His research focuses on alpine pollination ecology. He also works at CSIRO’s National Insect Collection and in the ACT Snake Removal service.
Bookings open on 10 October at https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFV
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Cameras and Café Walk
2025-11-15 08:40 - 10:30 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Bus Stop, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Australia
With spring well underway the Gardens are a riot of colour and for those interested in macro photography insects abound!
Be at the bus stop at 8.40 am. We then disperse, either individually or in groups, to capture in images the beauty (and sometimes the beasties) that make the Gardens such a special place. We get back together for a chat and a snack at Pollen Cafe at around 10.30 am.
A member of the Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Committee is always present to help with introductions and be a source of expertise and advice. Any level of photographic knowledge and equipment is most welcome.

Robert Macklin – ‘The man who planted Canberra: Charles Weston and his 3 million trees’
2025-11-20 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Robert’s recent book explores Weston’s life in the UK and his vital contribution to Canberra’s dramatic foundation and its arboreal and botanic creation.
Abstract
The design of the Capital by Walter Burley Griffin – and its brilliant illustration by Marion Mahony Griffin – has overwhelmed its remarkable arboreal and botanical creation by Charles Weston from 1913. When Griffin departed in 1920 at the behest of the Hughes Government, Weston became responsible for the city’s entire landscape in time for the Opening of Parliament in 1927. With the support of the thesis by Dr John Gray, Robert’s book explores Weston’s life in the UK and his vital contribution to Canberra’s dramatic foundation.
Biography
Robert Macklin is the award winning author of 31 books, mostly non-fiction, of Australian history in peace and war.
Bookings open on 17 October at https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFW
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Illuminate '25 - annual Photo Group exhibition
2025-11-21 09:30 - 2025-12-14 16:30 (Australia/Canberra)
Illuminate ’25 will be the 12th annual exhibition by the Friends Photographic Group.
The exhibition features captivating photographs taken within the Gardens, and of Australian fauna and flora in their natural environment. The works include plant portraits, close-up shots of flowers, birds and insects, intimate landscapes within the Gardens, and fauna from the Canberra region.
‘Illuminate’ has two meanings: one is about physical light, and the other is about intellectual or spiritual enlightenment. The exhibition invites us to discover, appreciate and value Australia’s unique flora and fauna. The Group aims to share their passion for discovering, appreciating and valuing Australia’s unique flora and fauna as seen through the lenses of their cameras.
This year the special prize categories for entries will be ‘Australian Native Plants and Fungi’, and ‘Fauna – of the ANBG’.
All photographs on show are for sale – and they make great Christmas presents! Additional copies of some works can be ordered, and other items for sale include unframed prints, greeting cards, and specialty calendars by individual members. The exhibition is in the Visitor Centre Gallery, open daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Entry is free.
The exhibition will open with a special preview for Friends and ANBG staff on the evening of Thursday 20 November.

Images by Simone Slater, Natalie Aldridge, and Paul Bainton

Illuminate ’25 – annual Photo Group exhibition
2025-11-21 09:30 - 2025-12-14 16:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Visitor Centre Gallery, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Illuminate ’25 will be the 12th annual exhibition by the Friends Photographic Group.
The exhibition features captivating photographs taken within the Gardens, and of Australian fauna and flora in their natural environment. The works include plant portraits, close-up shots of flowers, birds and insects, intimate landscapes within the Gardens, and fauna from the Canberra region.
‘Illuminate’ has two meanings: one is about physical light, and the other is about intellectual or spiritual enlightenment. The exhibition invites us to discover, appreciate and value Australia’s unique flora and fauna. The Group aims to share their passion for discovering, appreciating and valuing Australia’s unique flora and fauna as seen through the lenses of their cameras.
This year the special prize categories for entries will be ‘Australian Native Plants and Fungi’, and ‘Fauna – of the ANBG’.
All photographs on show are for sale – and they make great Christmas presents! Additional copies of some works can be ordered, and other items for sale include unframed prints, greeting cards, and specialty calendars by individual members. The exhibition is in the Visitor Centre Gallery, open daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Entry is free.
The exhibition will open with a special preview for Friends and ANBG staff on the evening of Thursday 20 November.

Associate Professor Duanne White – ‘Antarctic ice shelves?’
2025-11-27 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
What lies beneath Antarctic ice shelves? Duanne, from University of Canberra, will show field studies of how warm ocean currents, past and present, are melting the weak underbelly of the ice sheet in the Denman Glacier region.
Associate Professor Duanne White is a quantitative geomorphologist and geochemist, at the University of Canberra, interested in catchment and Earth Systems. This involves understanding the links between landscape, climate and critters, and how these have changed during the Quaternary period – i.e. the last couple of million years. This interest has taken him across Australia and on several trips to Antarctica, the Arctic and Sub-Antarctic Islands and beyond.
Bookings open on 24 October at https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFX
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Photographic Group Monthly Meeting
2025-11-28 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
The last monthly meeting for 2025 will take place on Friday 28 November 2025 at 10 am in the Theatrette.
Graham Gall will be the speaker. His topic will be the Birdlife Photography Biennial Conference which takes place in Canberra on 7 and 8 March 2026. Hear about who will be speaking, associated birding outings and what else is on the program from Graham, who is Chair of the organising committee.
The meeting will include a regular show-and-tell segment in which participants share images and the inspiration behind them.
