Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens

Dr Matt White and Anthony Hoffman - ‘Threatened ecological communities assessments’
2025-08-14 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Matt and Anthony will discuss the progress and overall impacts from listing of ecological communities under national environment law over the past 25 years, as well as recent unique examples such as the Empodisma peatlands of south-western WA, the Karst springs of the Naracoorte Coastal Plain, and the Drooping sheoak grassy woodland of the Eyre Peninsula.
Bookings open on 11 July at https://www.trybooking.com/DANCR
Abstract
2025 is the 25th anniversary of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, the national environment law which recognised threatened ecological communities as a specific ‘matter of national environmental significance’. This means they have the same level of protection as threatened species, migratory species, Ramsar wetlands and world and national heritage areas. Types of ecological communities that have been listed for national protection include forests, woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, wetlands, marine and cave communities. These cover over 16 million hectares of native habitat across all states and territories of Australia. Threatened ecological communities may be protected and recovered across all land tenures, not just conservation estate. Ecological community listings also allow for the protection of all plants, animals and other organisms present in the community (including species not otherwise protected) and the key ecological processes critical to natural ecosystem function and services. In addition, ecological communities have strong cultural significance for many Australians, especially for First Nations, land managers and local communities working to protect their local threatened bushland. Matt and Anthony will discuss the progress and overall impacts from listing of ecological communities under national environment law over the past 25 years, as well as recent unique examples such as the Empodisma peatlands of south-western WA, the Karst springs of the Naracoorte Coastal Plain, and the Drooping sheoak grassy woodland of the Eyre Peninsula.
Biography
Matt is Director and Anthony is a senior assessment officer within the Ecological Communities section of the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. For more than 15 years, both have worked closely with the national Threatened Species Scientific Committee and many other experts to identify, describe and conduct rigorous scientific assessments and write priority conservation actions for threatened ecological communities. Matt and Anthony have collectively contributed to the listing of, and/or national conservation plans for, all of the 104 ecological communities that are recognised at the national level for priority protection, management and recovery.
Bookings open on 11 July at https://www.trybooking.com/DANCR

Black Mountain Summit Walk - 25th Anniversary
2025-08-16 09:30 - 11:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Dear Friends,
We hope you are keeping wonderfully warm in this wintery weather … Maybe a way to be warm is the 25th Anniversary of the Summit Walk. The Summit Walk is between the summit of Black Mountain and the Visitor Centre of the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG), and was officially opened by the Chief Minister of the ACT, the head of the ANBG, and the Telstra representative; the organisations that cooperatively developed the walk.
The details of this 25th Anniversary Summit Walk are as follows … and feel free to send to your other friends and networks …
Summit Ramble Saturday 16 August 2025,
9.30am (sharp) to 11:30am (approximately)
This year is the 25th Anniversary of the Summit Walk between the Summit of Black Mountain Nature Reserve to the Visitor Centre at the ANBG. This walk was a joint initiative between the ACT Government, the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) and Telstra.
Dr Michael Doherty, a local plant ecologist, and ANBG Guides, will talk about winter colour among the plants down the north-eastern slope from the Summit of Black Mountain to the ANBG Visitor Centre. Michael will talk about the interesting variety of mechanisms through which the local flora copes with fire and drought and he will also be pointing out the characteristics of the different eucalypts found along the way, including some very old veteran scribbly gums with lumpy bumpy ‘elephants feet’!
** As we are walking down the track, it may be a good idea to arrange with a friend to take you back to your car at the top.
The Summit Walk has steep sections, so it is suitable for fit walkers (including children over the age of 12).
Meet at the Summit Terrace, slightly up from the Tower on Black Mountain.
Bring Friends, water, and snacks, if you wish.
Wear sturdy shoes, hat, and sun cream …and remember to dress for walk in winter weather if it is cold.
Bookings essential Places are limited on these very popular rambles, so please use the booking link to register for the walk
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDCZO
It helps so that you can be contacted in case arrangements need to change (e.g. adverse weather).
Tickets are limited, please notify us if you have booked but find you are unable to come, by email to friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com or phone 0437 298 711
Happy walking,
Linda Beveridge
Convenor, Friends of Black Mountain

Cameras and Café Walk
2025-08-17 08:40 - 10:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
The next Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Cameras and Café Walk will be held on Sunday 17 August. Meet at the bus stop at 8.40 am. After introductions we head off, either individually or in groups, in search of beautiful images from around the Gardens. Participants regroup for a sociable gathering up at Pollen Cafe at around 10.30 am.
At least one member of the Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Committee will be there to get things started and be a source of advice when needed. All levels of photographic skill are welcome. It is a great opportunity to get to know other photographers and learn from each other.
As we approach the end of winter the wattles are stirring, and fogs and frosts add to the atmosphere of the gardens.

Dr Michael Mulvaney - ‘Gang-gangs: what have we discovered and how does that help better protect them’
2025-08-21 00:00 - 23:59 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Michael, a former Government ecologist, will update eight years of citizen science research and cover new discoveries since 2022 into Gang-gang nesting ecology and behaviour.
Abstract
Michael will provide an update of the eight years of citizen science research into Gang-gang nesting ecology and behaviour which is now nearing its conclusion. The talk will cover new discoveries since a 2022 presentation by Michael and Chris Davey. The talk will describe;

where Gang-gangs are known to nest across Australia;
what guides their selection of nest trees in the Canberra area;
whether Gang-gang pairs return to the same nest hollow
what are the greatest threats to nesting chicks
what are potential consequences of climate change; and
what can be done to best protect nesting Gang-gang and their chicks

Biography
Michael Mulvaney is a former Government ecologist. Red Hill is the centre of Michael’s universe and he became involved in Gang-gang citizen research when a nest site was discovered on Red Hill in 2017 and he wanted to know how important this nesting site might be. Since then he has been a supervisor of many hundreds of fellow Gang-gang lovers across their south-eastern Australia range, who between them have documented most of what is known about Gang-gang nesting ecology and diet.
Bookings open on 18 July at https://www.trybooking.com/DANCU

Art in Miniature Exhibition
2025-08-27 09:30 - 2025-09-21 16:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
AIM (Art in Miniature) Canberra is delighted to be holding its 25th exhibition as a group at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
We are a friendship group of artists living in Canberra and its regions who enjoy working and exhibiting miniatures together.
In this exhibition we are taking inspiration directly from the beautiful ANBG. Its flora, fauna, herpetology, entomology, buildings, visitors and views have all inspired our group to create over 100 miniatures by 22 members.

Emeritus Professor Patrick De Deckker - ‘Marine heat waves, the “secret killer” in our oceans’
2025-08-28 00:00 - 23:59 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Patrick, from the ANU, will discuss alarming temperature increases near the surfaces of oceans, that affect entire ecosystems; such as the vanishing kelp forests offshore Tasmania and the many organisms that thrive in among kelp. This change is not only in Australia, but world-wide.
Abstract
As a result of significant changes in the oceans bordering Australia, and in particular the alarming temperature increases near the surface, entire ecosystems have already been affected. These will be discussed.
Patrick will also detail the findings over the last decade of the vanishing kelp forests offshore Tasmania, and how this has also affected many organisms that normally thrive in among kelp. This change is not restricted to the Australian oceans, it is a worldwide phenomenon!
Biography
Emeritus Professor Patrick De Deckker is at the Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University. Patrick is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
Originally from Belgium, Patrick arrived in Australia about 50 years ago where he continued his university education in geology, micro-palaeontology and zoology at several institutions. He has been at ANU since 1981 except for 2 years at Monash and has worked on salt lakes, their biota and geological history, plus on the evolution of the oceans in our region related to climate changes and on airborne dust (a topic which he presented to the Friends of the ANBG a couple of years ago).
Bookings open on 25 July at https://www.trybooking.com/DANDC

1RPH interview with artist Jo Hollier
2025-08-28 00:00 - 23:59 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
After viewing Jo Hollier’s Botanical Art Exhibition at the ANBG, Christine Stewart contacted her & interviewed her for 1RPH Canberra public radio.
The interview goes to air on 1RPH / 1125AM this Thursday 28 August at 10am & repeated at 4.30pm. It will also be available as a podcast on website.
Jo’s enthusiasm for the ANBG and her love of our birds & plants is evident.
Her new exhibition Creek Walks opens Friday 29 August at the Belconnen Arts Centre.

Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Monthly Meeting
2025-08-29 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
The meeting, which takes place in the Theatrette, will feature a presentation from Dr Yi-Kai Tea of the Moths and Butterflies Association. The Association is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to encourage interest in the scientific study, research and conservation of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) in the Australian Region. The society has a broad appeal to a wide range of interest groups, including amateur naturalists, photographers, conservationists and citizen scientists who are passionate about observing, collecting, and studying moths and butterflies.
Dr Yi-Kai Tea has published several papers on the ecology and behaviour of tropical Lepidoptera in the Asia-Pacific. He is also an avid butterfly photographer.
The meeting will also include our regular show and tell segment in which participants share their photographic works and the stories behind them.

Guided Walks - What is it about Wattles?
2025-09-01 11:00 - 2025-09-07 14:00 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
What is it about Wattles?
1 – 7 September, 11am & 2pm daily, Free
We welcome wattles as spring approaches but are you aware how very many species there are and how widespread they are? Why their foliage differs so much? How those golden ‘balls’ are formed? Take a free guided one-hour walk to get some answers to these and other questions and see a wealth of wattles in flower at this time of year.
Meet at the flag near the Café bridge. No booking required for individuals, but groups of more than six people should contact walks@friendsanbg.org.au a week before the planned walk.

Dr Rod Griffin ‘Uses of Acacia from Perfumery to Pulpwood … and some things we don’t yet know about their Reproductive Biology’
2025-09-04 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Little has been invested into research into the benefits of Australian species of Acacia, compared to Australian eucalypts. Rod, a Research Associate at University of Tasmania, will share current research into the pollination ecology of some temperate acacia species.
Abstract
Acacias provide many economic benefits around the world, but little has been invested into research into the benefits of Australian species, especially compared to Eucalypts. Rod, a Research Associate at University of Tasmania, will share current research into the pollination ecology of some temperate acacia species.
Biography
Rod is a Research Associate at the School of Natural Sciences, at University of Tasmania, with a Ph.D. in forest genetics. He supports tree breeding programs in SE Asia, South America and Africa and focuses on genetic diversity and seed production of Eucalyptus and Acacia.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFF
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/DDEFF
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.

M16 Artspace Exhibitions - 'Rendezvous: Notes from the Botanic Gardens' and 'See What I See'
2025-09-05 12:00 - 2025-09-28 17:00 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Two of the exhibitions currently on show at the M16 ArtSpace are ‘Rendezvous: Notes from the Botanic Gardens’ and ‘See What I See’.
‘Rendezvous’ includes a terrific and fun wall mural of the water dragons by Bryn Jones and other interesting artworks inspired by the Gardens.
‘See What I See’ is the annual NatureArt Lab tutor exhibition, showcasing the creative work and immense talent of their teaching team.
Both are well worth checking out.
You can find more about the M16 Artspace HERE.

Black Mountain Weeding Work Party
2025-09-06 09:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
A big thank you, to our work party volunteers who removed approximately 850 woody weeds in a difficult area at our August work party.
Details of the next weeding work party (including the booking link) are:
Date: Saturday, 6 September 2025 , 9am to 12 noon
Meet: at the electricity sub-station, Frith Road, Acton.
Bring: water.
Wear: hat, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, stout shoes.
We shall break for delicious morning tea at about 10:30am
Please book: if you are planning to come, please let us know by using this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CYPVL
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 Linda by phone 0437 298 711.
We look forward to seeing you at our next weeding work party.
Linda Beveridge
Friends of Black Mountain

Stephen Utick ‘Camellia Flower God, the sacred camellias of Asia’
2025-09-11 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Stephen, a Visiting Curator Theaceae at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, will embark on a fabulous journey to sacred and other places of China and Japan to discover ethnobotanical stories of the Family Theaceae Genus Camellia.
Abstract
Embark on a fabulous journey across the shrines, temples and other sacred places of China and Japan to discover one of the most remarkable ethnobotanical stories of the Family Theaceae Genus Camellia. From the southern silk road of ancient Yunnan to the famous Buddhist Todaiji Temple of Canberra’s Sister City Nara, Dr Utick will reveal the full extent of the understanding of the ethnobotany of sacred camellia trees. Be prepared for sacred inner spaces, lost and forgotten kingdoms, and the Temple of the Mishi or flower god. This presentation will be a global first, based on research material sourced over a decade through the International Camellia Society.
Biography
Stephen Utick is a global camellia expert, a Visiting Curator Theaceae at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney and the secretary of Camellia Ark Australia, an organisation that saves and propagates rare and endangered camellias from all over Australia.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFH
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/DDEFH
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.

Book launch: The Man Who Planted Canberra [SOLD OUT but waitlist available]
2025-09-12 10:30 - 11:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Join Robert Macklin, Max Bourke, Lenore Coltheart and Steve Thomas in conversation, to celebrate the release of Robert’s book The Man Who Planted Canberra: Charles Weston and His Three Million Trees.
Insights into the history, design and future of the National Capital’s landscaping, horticulture and reforestation will be shared, including the use of both native and exotic plant species throughout our region.
This special launch event will take place in the Margaret Whitlam Pavillion at the National Arboretum, combining fascinating discussion with breathtaking views of Canberra and the Arboretum’s living collections of rare, endangered and significant trees.
The presentation will be followed by book sales and signing.
Entry to this event is free, however places are strictly limited, and early booking is recommended.
Further information available here: https://www.library.gov.au/whats-on/events/book-launch-man-who-planted-canberra
Tickets available here: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/sjjny/book_launch_the_man_who_planted_canberra.aspx
PLEASE NOTE: This event is SOLD OUT but a waitlist is available

Exploring STEP at the Arboretum
2025-09-13 14:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
The Southern Tablelands Ecosystems Park (STEP) is a regional botanic garden, education and conservation centre demonstrating southern tablelands species of eucalypt trees and understorey plants. It is located within the National Arboretum, Canberra. (https://step.asn.au)
Experienced STEP volunteers will take us on a one hour guided walk. Come and admire this beautiful garden of local southern tablelands species.
Meet at the STEP entrance flag down on lowest level carpark opposite the Visitor Centre at the Arboretum 10 minutes before the tour.
Bookings essential: https://www.trybooking.com/DDKBD
Cost: $5 (proceeds will be shared between the Friends of ANBG and STEP)
Wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for some uneven ground.

Professor Andy Whiteley ‘Bioplastics’
2025-09-18 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Andy, from CSIRO, and the BioPlastics Innovaton Hub aim to remove Australia’s dependence on fossil fuel derived polymers in plastic packaging and replace them with fully compostable and sustainable alternatives.
Biography
Professor Andy Whiteley is the Research Director for CSIRO’s Industry Environments (IE) Program based in Western Australia. The IE Program seeks to innovate and mitigate Australia’s wastes to build a sustainable future, especially in the key areas of Plastics and PFAS, two of Australia’s major pollutant and waste issues.
Professor Whiteley originally obtained a degree and Ph.D. in marine biology and spent 20 years in the UK as a research scientist and leader, developing a new generation of molecular biology, genomic and biotechnological solutions for the natural environment, including environmental monitoring, protection and cleanup. He moved to Australia in 2012 to become the tenth Premier’s Fellow and Winthrop Professor at the University of Western Australia, focussing on developing new technologies for mine-site rehabilitation. During the COVID pandemic, he moved to CSIRO, where his team was initially responsible for developing and monitoring COVID emergence in wastewater treatment systems for early warning population protection. Post COVID he resumed the core work in chemical and biological risks associated with Australia’s pollution and waste issues.
In 2022, Andy was the key representative for CSIRO in setting up the partnership with Murdoch University for what is now known as the ‘BioPlastics Innovation Hub’ (BiH). An 8 million dollar investment, launched in 2024, the BiH represents a unique collaborative effort that unites scientific research, industry expertise and the impact focus of Australia’s National Science agency, the CSIRO.
The aim of the BiH is to revolutionise plastic packaging and waste systems in order to remove Australia’s dependence on fossil fuel derived polymers and move us toward fully compostable and sustainable BioPlastics and BioPolymers.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFI
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/DDEFI
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.

Plant Recognition Group Workshop – the amazing world of Australian conifers
2025-09-18 14:00 - 16:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
The next Plant Recognition Group workshop will provide an overview of the 44 species of Australian conifers including their distribution and some of the factors contributing to this spatial outcome.
The workshop will provide guidance on the use of an identification key based on vegetative characteristics: mainly leaves, cones and buds. About 80% of native conifers can be seen at the ANBG and you will be guided through use of the key to distinguish example species from the gardens.
The workshop will be led by Malcolm Watson who has a degree in environmental management (majoring in botany) and has spent the last few years studying and photographing plants at the ANBG.
When: Thursday 18 September 2025 2.00-4.30pm; including extra time to practice if you wish.
Where: Celia Rosser Room, Banksia Centre, ANBG.
Bookings ESSENTIAL: Please send your name and phone number to plantname@friendsanbg.org.au Seats are limited for this session, so booking ahead is mandatory.
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.

Wake up with the Birds
2025-09-20 08:30 - 10:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
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) | ACT
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) | ACT
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) | ACT
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) | ACT
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) | ACT
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) | ACT
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) | ACT
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) | ACT
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) | ACT
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.
