President’s view Chris Russell, BGANZ President
It’s a great honour to pen this report as the new President of BGANZ, fresh from the AGM and Congress in Wellington, New Zealand. Our outgoing President, Paul Tracey, has left big shoes
Chris Russell
to fill in what is a dynamic time for our organisation. I would like to acknowledge and thank Paul, along with outgoing Treasurer Peter Byron, for many years of dedicated service progressing BGANZ as the peak botanic gardens industry group of our region. It is also timely to welcome our new Treasurer Helen McHugh (ANBG), and welcome back John Arnott (RBG Victoria) to council. We have a strong and vibrant council and I look forward to us progressing the ‘BGANZ agenda’ together. A full list of your Council is listed on the website. For those who were fortunate enough to attend the BGANZ Congress in Wellington from 20 to 23 October, I’m sure you will join with me in congratulating David Sole and the broader Wellington (and New Zealand) team on creating a wonderful event and making all delegates feel so welcome. Themed Plants from the past: plants for the future, the program provided a range of inspiring speakers, stimulating workshops, and fascinating tours. As with all congresses, the social program provided ample opportunity to see the host city in a different light (after dark!) and continue to build the great trans-Tasman camaraderie that is such a strength of our group. Council was again pleased to provide travel grants of up to AU$700 to 16 members to attend the congress. This is an important aspect of our program to support involvement from gardens of all sizes and capacities in our activities, and our commitment to remain relevant to gardens big and small. At the congress dinner, we presented the BGANZ Volunteer Award to Sam Moon for her efforts related to BGANZ communications and social media, as well as the BGANZ Professional Development Award to Toby Golson of ANBG for assistance towards a study and conservation program related to the endangered Macadamia jansenii. For the very first time, we also announced the inaugural inductees into the BGANZ Honour Roll, an award identified by council to recognise members who have made a significant contribution to the association for the betterment of botanic gardens across Australia and New Zealand. Not surprisingly, there were quite a few worthy recipients dating back to the founding of BGANZ in 2005. The full list is provided in this edition of THE BOTANIC GARDENer. Looking ahead, there is much to do to keep our momentum rolling. Our recent success in increasing our revenue base with Augusta Golf Carts and Seasol as valued sponsors is providing much needed resources to do more. This, coupled with our increased involvement in the global plant conservation agenda through our partnering with Botanic Gardens Conservation
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THE BOTANIC GARDENer | ISS 53 SUMMER 2019/20
