Opening of the Banksia Garden

The new Banksia Garden was officially opened by the Minister for the Environment, the Hon Sussan Ley MP, on Wednesday 21 October.

The opening took place on the day after the actual 50^th anniversary of the opening of the Gardens by then-Prime Minister John Gorton. The Friends of the ANBG contributed $130,000 towards the cost of the Banksia Garden, as our 50^th birthday present to the ANBG. 

After a welcome by Genevieve Jacobs, the Gardens' 50^th Year Champion, the guests heard brief speeches by the Executive Director Dr Judy West, the Minister, and Friends representative Max Bourke.

The Minister then went on to unveil a plaque to mark the occasion and plant a Banksia solandri specimen in the garden, joining the 70 or more examples of Banksia species from all parts of Australia that are represented there.

There was keen media interest in the event. The entire opening was live-streamed through Facebook, to enable members of the Friends and others to join in the celebration despite the COVID-19 restrictions that applied. Those present included ANBG staff involved in the project, especially those involved in the planning, horticultural and construction aspects of creating the Garden; and Friends Council members and volunteers associated with the project.

Photos (L to R, from top): Genevieve Jacobs welcomes the guests; the Minister speaks at the opening;
unveiling the plaque, watched by Max Bourke; Dr Judy West, Executive Director;
Media session with Dr West, the Minister and Max Bourke; Linda Beveridge, Friends Vice-President, and former President Lesley Jackman.