Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens have won recognition and received $2000 from Heritage Council of Victoria after more than three decades protecting the site.
The council’s chair Stuart Macintyre on Monday congratulated the group for conserving heritage elements of the gardens since 1985.
“The heritage council was impressed by the vibrancy of the friends and its wide scope of activities,” Professor Macintyre said.
“The Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens have been instrumental in educating people about this fabulous heritage garden and its interesting history for (more than) 30 years.”
Prof Macintyre awarded a certificate recognising the group’s “wonderful work” conducting comprehensive studies of the gardens and educating visitors about their history.
“Through guided tours, talks, exhibitions, education and studies they have promoted and preserved the heritage of the Geelong Botanic Gardens.”
Prof Macintyre presented the framed certificate and a $2000 donation to Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens president Allison Martland and fellow group members.
Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens secretary Kate Kirkhope, founder Jayne Salmon, guide Annie McGeachy and archivist Luanne Thornton were also at the presentation.
The Heritage Council of Victoria recognises community organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the preservation of the heritage of the state with the award.
The Eastern Park and Geelong Botanic Gardens have historical, botanical and aesthetic significance and are included in the Victorian Heritage Register.
