One of the Hunter Valley’s much-loved natural tourist attractions is gearing up to commemorate a major milestone this month.
In fact, it’s cause for double celebration.
Not only will the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens mark its 40th anniversary in style on Sunday 24 May, the event coincides with Botanic Gardens Day throughout Australia and New Zealand, too.
And, the organisation’s planned several activations, from talks to walks, with free entry to acknowledge the occasion.
Between 9am and 2pm, the award-winning centre will also host a couple of tours, wandering minstrels and much more.
For those hungry guests, food is available at the sausage sizzle, Kookaburra Cafe or scone stall, too.
“Celebrating our birthday is extra special for us this year,” fundraising and events manager Jeannie Lawson said.
“We’ve organised numerous things, so everyone can stay for the day and not miss out on anything.
“There’ll be an official address at 11am in the Environment Pavillion with original members of the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, who began it all four decades ago.
“They’ll share their stories while our Art Space Gallery will display many of our archival photos.
“We have a range of special talks throughout the day as well.
“Topics covered include Bonsai, succulents, orchids, native ponds, grevilleas, rainforests, bush foods, birds and bees.”
The site lays within the country of the Worimi people, who used the area for hunting and collecting florae for food, medicine and other uses.
However, a steering committee to establish Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, which sits on 130 hectares of bushland, was formed at a public meeting in Newcastle City Hall on 9 June 1982.
The group considered a couple of possible locales for the grounds before accepting the current site, part of the Tomago Sandbeds, offered by the Hunter Water Corporation.
Hunter Region Botanic Gardens Ltd was incorporated as a charitable establishment in November 1985 and its development started on 12 May the following year.
Work began with the clearing of a massive infestation of lantana, the enhancement of roads and trails, and the provision of services.
The present Visitor Centre, funded as a Bicentennial project, opened its doors in 1989.
“Botanic Gardens are so much more than just a park with trees,” Ms Lawson said.
“Ours is run entirely by volunteers who put all their passion and knowledge into the choosing and growing of the plants you see here today.
“Scientific research remains part of the gardens, too, and there are limited tours available to our herbarium on the day, which is usually closed to the public.
“In conjunction with Botanic Gardens Australia, we’ll have a Grow Your Health Challenge with some great prizes to be won and it ties in very nicely with our new Mindfulness Walk that was launched in March.
“So, there’ll be something for everyone.”
Even better, the event is free on 24 May.
But, donations are “very welcome”, according to Ms Lawson.
“The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens isn’t council-run and receives no ongoing government funding,” she said.
“We rely on our entry fees and event days to raise funds to keep us going.
“So, donations, sponsorship and bequests are gratefully received.
“The community has supported us for the past 40 years… and we’re appreciative of that.”
For further information, visit www.huntergardens.org.au or https://events.humanitix.com/botanic-gardens-day-aust-nz-and-40th-anniversary
TALK AND WALKS
- 9.30am: Bird walk with Hunter Bird Observers (free but bookings are required – limited numbers)
- 10am: Mindfulness Walk
- 11am: Official opening – history of the Gardens (Kevin Stokes) and our future vision (Prof Tim Roberts) in the Environment Pavilion
- 11.30am: Herbarium tour (book at Information Tent on the day)
- 11.30am: Bonsai talk in the Banksia Room
- 11.45am: Succulents
- 11.45am: Native Ponds
- Noon: Mindfulness Walk
- 12.30pm: Grevilleas
- 12.30pm: Herbarium tour (book at Information Tent on the day)
- 12.30pm: Orchids
- 12.30pm: Bonsai talk in the Banksia Room
- 1.15pm: Rainforest walk and talk
- 1.15pm: Bush Foods walk and talk
- 1.30pm: Herbarium tour (book at Information Tent on the day)
For more community stories:
- Hamilton’s free community pantry removed due to council upgrade
- Foreshore rehabilitation partnership gets to the point
- Mai-Wel, Maitland Blacks tackle footy, community and purpose
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