Friends event calendar

Find below a list of the Friends of the Gardens' Events planned for 2013...

Please note that event dates may change and we ask that you visit this site regularly to view any updates or changes.

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May:

Friday 24 May 2013:  6.00pm – 7.00pm
Launch of “The Bungee Jumping Caterpillars” Children’s Story Book to celebrate Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens 10th birthday.
Lagoons Gallery:  Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens


To celebrate the 10th birthday of the opening of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, a children’s story book will be launched titled “The Bungee Jumping Caterpillars”.

Three ‘Friends of the Gardens’... the ‘Zodiac Moth-ers’... Kate Brunner, Carolyn Atkinson and Maya Harrison, with the assistance of a RADF grant, have banded their talents together to produce a children’s story book highlighting the Zodiac Moth (North Queensland Day Moth) and its dependence on the Tree Omphalea, Omphalea celata, a plant species that is threatened in the wild and is being conserved at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

Other significant plants to the Mackay region also feature in the book as well as some of the local wildlife. The launch will be held at the Lagoons Gallery where the “Bungee Jumping Caterpillars Exhibition” is also able to be viewed.

RSVP essential by May 20th 2013

Contact the Botanic Gardens on 49527300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

The Official 10th Birthday Celebrations will continue from 7.00pm onwards and all Garden Friends are invited to both. Please RSVP by May 20th

 

Farleigh Palm Fete: Sunday 19th May. 8.00am onwards

The Botanic Gardens will have a display stall alongside the SGAP stall (Society for Growing of Austratian Plants).
 We require friends to assist to set up and attend at the stall, selling souvenirs and sharing information about the Botanic Gardens via the brochures and fact sheets. Everyone is welcome to join in. Two people are needed for each 1-2 hours shift. Please contact Maya or Robin for further information or if you would like to assist.

Greenmount Heritage Fair: Sunday 26th May 10am - 4pm.

The Botanic Gardens will not be having a display this year.  
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June:

Sunday 9th June 10am - 12.00
Birthday party for 10 year olds.

A fun filled party especially for 10 year old children as a special event to celebrate the 10th birthday of the Botanic Gardens' opening.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS… Are you 10 years old? Come and celebrate with us.
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens > Lagoon Street > West Mackay
Sunday 9th June.   10.00am - 12.00noon. 
Children must be registered for this event by filling in an online registration form on the Botanic Gardens website www.mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au
Cost $10.00 (Children receive a surprise birthday present and certificate)

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens turns 10 on May 24th 2013 and one of its 10th Birthday year celebrations is a birthday party for children who are ten years old in 2013 too. It will be held on Sunday June the 9th (Queens Birthday Long Weekend) from 10.00am - 12.00noon.
The 10 year old party goers will need to ask their parents to register for the event by filling in an online registration form on the Botanic Gardens website and the cost is $10. Payment can be made by credit card over the Phone. Call 49527300.
The party will include lots of special activities to be held outdoors, so remember to slip slop slap… 
Activities include…  Mini- master chef patty cake decorating,  Mural/ fence painting , "Treasures of the Gardens" Hunt,  Old fashioned games,  Bocce, Pot painting, Screens and hedges Maze, Making a giant birthday cake from recycled materials (soft drink bottles, milk bottles / cartons, cardboard boxes, coloured wrapping paper  etc ) and even Bird watching.
Ten year olds… let's celebrate at the Botanic Gardens.

Friends are more than welocme to come along and assist in the fun. Actually we will need friends to come along and assist with overseeing some of the events. let Maya know if you can join in.

Saturday 15th June 8.30am onwards
Planting Bee

One of a variety of regular activities the Friends of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens group participate in.
The Garden Friends will be planting in the Australian Regional Flora Terraces at their next Planting Bee on Saturday June 15th. This is a great opportunity to come along and learn more about the types of plants which grow in our Central Queensland Coast Bioregion. Planting Bees also offers all budding green thumbs a chance to get their hands dirty and help the Gardens extend their plant collection.

All Planting Bees commence at 8.30am sharp; with a “planting induction” and participants are asked to remember to slip, slop, slap and wear closed in footwear.
For this planting bee, participants are asked to meet at the Friends gazebo near the Torres Strait Islands shelter near the Banyan PlayGarden car park section of the Botanic Gardens.

Let us know if you are planning to join us by contacting the Botanic Gardens on 49527300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au 

Friends of the Gardens AGM Tuesday 18th June. 
Botanic Gardens Meeting Room - 7.30pm

Botanic Gardens… Preserve and Conserve… How we are getting the message out."

The general community is welcome to attend and enjoy a special talk by Maya Harrison, Education Officer, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
''The Bungee Jumping Caterpillars' children's book was launched on May 24th and one of the reasons for creating this book was to introduce the community to local plant species that are 'threatened in the wild'. Come and find out about the book's development, the featured plant species and the research of the Zodiac Moth and its caterpillars and how they contribute to spreading the message of all Botanic Gardens… to conserve and preserve.

For the very short A.G.M., nominations are needed for president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and three committee members. The work is not onerous and a variety of skills and tasks can be utilized or even developed, so please put your hand up if you are willing to be a part of the executive.

The financial year for Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Friends Association runs from May 2012 to April 2013, which means that annual memberships are now due. You do not need to renew your membership if you joined after November last year.

Please RSVP to Robin: Phone 4952 2299 or email robinmcw@a1.com.au  or  Maya: Phone 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au if you intend to join us > or if you would like to be part of the committee for the next year.

Friends Guided Walk: Saturday 22nd June - 10am

Join the Garden Friends, as they venture north to explore the beautiful Cape Hillsborough portion of the Central Queensland Coast Bioregion.

Meet at the northern end of the picnic area prior to 10.00am. Look for the Friends Marquee. We will then drive to the Boardwalk entrance (lots of parking available) for a 10.00am start.

The walk will be jointly led by Irene Champion and John Atkinson. Irene will discuss the unique plant communities that occur side by side in this special area and John will add information regarding the use of the area by indigenous people. We are sure to be delighted by the many secrets and highlights Cape Hillsborough has to offer.

The walk will be followed by BBQ lunch. We ask participants to bring along a plate of salad or dessert to share.  Meat, rolls, soft drink, tea and coffee will be provided.

RSVP ESSENTIAL by Wednesday 19th June to Gardens Administration on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au .

'Botanic Perceptions' Photo Competition    June - August 2013


This Photo Competition aims to enhance our appreciation and perceptions of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and to celebrate its ten years of growth, since it opened in May 2003.

The Photo Competition opens in June with a deadline mid August and offers children and families the opportunity to engage with their cameras in the Botanic Gardens. There will be four categories including, Plant Passion, Creature Feature, Close up and Garden Landscape. All photos entered need to be taken in the Botanic Gardens and there will be prizes! Four sessions assisting children and families to take photos in the Botanic Gardens in regard to each of the four categories will be held on the 6th & 7th July weekend.

The winning photographs of each section will be on display for 10 days of viewing in the Lagoons Gallery from Wednesday 11th - Sunday 22nd September.
For more information… Contact the Botanic Gardens on 49527300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au or visit the Botanic Gardens website www.mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au  or subscribe to Council’s ENews for regular updates > http://www.mackay.qld.gov.au/about_council/newsletters
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July:

Weekend... 6 / 7 th July  Photographic workshops/sessions:


"Photographing in the Botanic Gardens": 
2 hour sessions... 10am - 12noon,   2.00pm - 4.00pm July 6th- 7th

Four sessions assisting children and families to take photos in the Botanic Gardens in regard to each of the four categories of the 'Botanic Perceptions' Photo Competition will be held on the 6th & 7th July weekend.
Bring along any style of camera and photographers will be on hand to share their knowledge and skills.
Each session is limited to 10 families and bookings are essential and need to be made by Friday 21st June.
Cost Free.

For more information… Contact the Botanic Gardens on 49527300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au 
 
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August:

Friday 30th August - Launch of Botanic Art Calendar
Lagoons Gallery - 6pm

Our Botanic Art Interst group which mets twice monthly have held annual exhibitions in the Lagoons Gallery. A selection or artworks from these exhibitions have been included in a 2014 calendar. The calendar will be revealed at this launch and immediately readu for sale.

RSVP essential by August 26th 2013

Contact the Botanic Gardens on 49527300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au 
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September:

Saturday 7th September: - 10am
Threatened Species Guided Walk

Meet at the Botanic Gardens Meeting room for an interesting guided walk about
"threatened in the wild" plant species that we are conserving and preserving in the Botanic Gardens. How can we also help in protecting these species? A lunch will follow.

Wednesday  11th Sptember - Sunday 22nd September:
Photographic Competition Exhibition.

The best photographic entries will be on display for just 10 days of viewing. Make sure you get to see it.
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October:

Saturday 12th October - Propagation Workshop - 10am

Meryl Ritchie will lead this workshop demonstrating and sharing ideas on how to strike cuttings and sprouting seeds. Learn how to get your gardens growing with these very practical and useful skils for propagating new plants. A lunch will follow.

Sunday 20th October - Friday 25 October
BGANZ and BGCI conference in Dunedin New Zealand.

Maya and Dale will be in attendance. Assistance may be required from friends to help out at Botanic Garden's Administration.

Monday 28th October - Friday November 1st
Walking Guides of Botanic Gardens Conference Christchurch New Zealand.

Maya, Kevin and some other Friends of the Gardens will be in attendance.
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November:

Saturday 30th November
Friends of the Gardens Christmas Party - 6.30 pm

Cafe on the Lagoon at Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. R.S.V.P essential
 Carols

December:

Saturday Dec 14 2013 :
Christmas in the Gardens: 5.30 – 8.30pm

Come along and bring all the family to this very popular Christmas event on Saturday December 15 2012 from 5.30 to 8.30pm. Featuring well known local entertainers for an evening of family enjoyment. The ‘Friends of the Gardens’ will have their ever-popular raffles, glow candles, bracelets, and Christmas songbooks for sale. The Lagoon Cafe will be open until late. Contact Maya Harrison 49527300. botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au. From 5.30 pm. Any assistance from Friends to sell... would be greatly appreciated. PLEASE RSVP TO ALL EVENTS on 4952 7300 or maya.harrison@mackay.qld.gov.au

This is what you missed...

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February 2013

Botanic Gardens 10th Birthday… Present No 1.


The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is 10 years old in 2013 and the first birthday present to the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is from the “Friends of the Gardens”.
Three new interpretative signs titled ‘Beyond The Green’, ‘From Then Until Now’, and ‘You Are Standing On A Sepal’ will be unveiled by Mayor Deidre Comerford and Cr Theresa Morgan on Saturday February 2nd: also ‘WORLD WETLANDS DAY’ at  4.00pm.
The signs will be mounted on the Lagoons Outlook Deck. The aim of the signs is to give visitors and the local community, a small snip-it of information about the Botanic Gardens, as they take in the views of the Garden’s lagoon.
After the unveiling, The Friends of the Garden will also be participating in their first social event with a Guided Walk… highlighting the Lagoon edge plants, water plants and the creatures and birds which live and feed in these habitats, followed by a BBQ. The community is welcome to join in. RSVP ESSENTIAL to Gardens Administration on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au 

“WET… WET… WET…”  
Saturday February 2nd: 4.00pm onwards


Firstly, Join the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens ‘Friends of the Gardens’ as they watch their birthday present to the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens being unveiled (3 interpretative signs on the Lagoon Outlook Deck) and then join them on a walk to the Boardwalk and Eulamere Wetlands sections of the Gardens… highlighting the Lagoon edge plants, water plants and the creatures and birds which live and feed in these habitats. The walk will be followed by their first BBQ social for the year 2013.

Friends are also invited to find out more about Wetlands / Lagoon and Bird life as a continuation of the celebration of World Wetlands Day on February 2nd by checking out the displays in the Meeting Room. 

It may be Wet Wet Wet with summer rains, so bring along an umbrella just in case. Also bring along a plate of salad or a dessert to share with the BBQ fare.

RSVP ESSENTIAL to Gardens Administration on 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au .

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 March :

Saturday 9th March 2013:     4.00pm onwards 

Friends of the Gardens Guided Walk and BBQ: ‘Then and Now: We are 10 years old’:


Join Dale Arvidsson (Curator of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens) as he leads a Guided Walk, highlighting special areas of the Botanic Gardens and the significant growth and changes that have occurred during the Gardens 10 year life span.

Meet at the front entrance of the Cafe on the Lagoon at 4.00pm, where displays of ‘Then and Now’ Botanic Gardens’ photographs will be on display. See how we have grown from lots of mulch and small tube stock plants to the green oasis we all now enjoy.

The Friends of the Gardens will join in a BBQ after the walk around 5.30 - 6.00pm. Everyone is welcome but an RSVP is essential by Wednesday March 6th. Participants are asked to bring along either a salad or sweets to share.

Contact the Botanic Gardens on 49527300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

Saturday March 23: Planting Bee... 8.30am – 12 noon

AREA FOR PLANTING HAS CHANGED:

One of a variety of regular activities the Friends of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens group participate in.
Due to the vast rainfall recently,  the Meadowlands area is still too wet to plant in. Instead... The Garden Friends will be planting in the Ethno-Botany section near the Kaliguil Shelter at their first Planting Bee on Saturday March 23.

Park in the parking area off Alexandra Street or at the main car park and meet at the Kaliguil Shelter at 8.30am. Remember to wear covered-in shoes and slip, slop, slap. Morning tea will be provided.

 Everyone is welcome.

The Meadowlands area will be planted on April 13th instead. This is a great opportunity to come along and be part of the further development of the Botanic Gardens as we aim to plant 1,000 Lomandra plants as well as a few other varieties. Planting Bees offer all budding green thumbs a chance to get their hands dirty and help the Gardens extend their plant collection.

For those new to the Botanic Gardens planting bees, please be there at 8.30 for an essential small induction / guide to planting.

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April:

POSTPONED TILL Saturday MAY 4th  

8.30am – 12 noon.
Planting Bee

One of a variety of regular activities the Friends of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens group participate in.
The Garden Friends will be planting those 1,000 Lomandra plants (postponed from April 13) in the Meadowlands section of the Botanic Gardens at this Planting Bee on Saturday April 13th. Park in the parking area off Alexandra Street and meet at the Meadowlands Ampi-theatre at 8.30am. Remember to wear covered-in shoes and slip, slop, slap. Morning tea will be provided. Everyone is welcome. Planting Bees offer all budding green thumbs a chance to get their hands dirty and help the Gardens extend their plant collection and it is a great opportunity to come along and be part of the further development of the Botanic Gardens.

For those new to the Gardens planting bees, please be there at 8.30 for an essential small induction / guide to planting.

Contact the Botanic Gardens on 49527300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au 

 
Saturday April 27th: 10am - 2.00pm
Guided Walk at Eungella:  

Join the Garden Friends, as we venture west to explore the beautiful Crediton area of the Eungella National Park, part of the Central Queensland Coast Bioregion.
Meet at the Crediton Hall for a 10.00am start. Look for the Friends of the Gardens Marquee. We will then join John Atkinson and be led on a rainforest walk. John Atkinson is a ranger with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and he is sure to delight us with some of the secrets, Crediton has on offer.

The walk will be followed by BBQ lunch. We ask participants to bring along a plate of salad or dessert to share.  Meat, rolls, soft drink, tea and coffee will be provided.

RSVP Essential. Contact the Botanic Gardens on 49527300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au