Cattana Night Walk and Moth Night

DR DAVID RENTZ AM

The Friends of the Botanic Garden, Cairns took advantage of a break in the rain to have a combined Night Walk and Moth Night at the Cattana Wetlands. Around 25 people were in attendance. Several groups were represented: the local Australian New Guinea Fish Association (local aquarium society), James Cook University and Birdlife Australia, as well as the Friends. Many insects, frogs and sleeping lizards were seen in the vegetation along the paths. The more adventurous took guided tours of the ponds where they saw a variety of fish and eye-shine indicating a few small crocodiles calling the ponds home.

The light sheets produced a wide variety of insects including some fancy moths and beetles. We had great feedback and enthusiasm for an additional walk during the dry season.

Jackie Frost receives service award

Jackie Frost (left) receiving her Years of Service certificate from Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Cairns president Val Schier. Jackie became a Friends member in 2011, volunteering her time in a variety of roles: Committee Membership Secretary and general member; member of the Carnival on Collins Coordination Team; promotional stalls; and for many years, has been a friendly face in the Friends Shop, providng support and guidance for the Cairns Botanic Gardens’ visitors - with some interesting tales to tell. The Friends held a morning tea to thank her for all her support over the years.

Friends AGM results

The Friends held their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 8 March with the following members elected for the Committee:

President - Val Shier

Vice-President - Elaine Harrison

Secretary - Megan Lilly

Treasurer - William van Bakel

Events Coordinator - Sue McCulloch

Publicity-PR Officer - William Martin

General Committee Member (Assistant Treasurer)Peerapan Maslen

General Committee Member (Membership)Jennifer Muir

General Committee Members:

Jeannette Wehrle, Bridgette Gower, Michael Hyde

James Sing, Del van Mierlo, Annabelle Symes