Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

The Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens in Queensland. Established in 1998, the group consists primarily of volunteers who engage in a wide range of activities to enhance the Gardens and foster community involvement in regional flora conservation and education.

History and Mission

Formed in 1998, the Friends group played an instrumental role in the establishment and ongoing development of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. The organization serves as advocates and partners to the Gardens, collaborating with the local council and community to support the preservation and celebration of native plant biodiversity in the region. Their mission encompasses education, conservation, community engagement, and the celebration of Australia's unique plant heritage.

Activities and Roles

Members of Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens contribute through numerous honorary activities including:

• Leadership and community inspiration
• Planning, planting, propagating, and general gardening tasks
• Fundraising and event coordination
• Education and visitor services such as guided tours and children’s programs
• Technical support related to plant collections, records management, and herbarium assistance
• Creative initiatives including arts, crafts, and floral arranging focused on Australian native plants

These activities support both the maintenance of the Gardens and the wider public’s understanding and appreciation of South East Queensland’s native species[2][3].

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens

The Gardens themselves feature a unique collection emphasizing regional flora, with areas such as:

• Regional Arboretum: Showcasing iconic South East Queensland species including soaring eucalypts, bright-flowered banksias, and the endangered Ormeau bottle trees.
• Rotary Sensory Garden: Designed to appeal to the senses through a diverse selection of plants characterized by their colors, scents, textures, and sounds.
• Story of Our Country Garden: A trail reflecting the journey and connection of the First Nations people with the land, highlighting native plant life from hinterland to coast.
• Bush Foods Garden: Celebrating over 65,000 years of Indigenous use of native plants for food[1].

The site spans approximately 31 hectares and offers a blend of natural beauty and educational experiences, with various gardens and nature walks open year-round[4]. The Friends' Centre, opened in 2009, operates as the hub for garden information and community botanical workshops[5].

Impact and Community Engagement

The Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens have helped foster a thriving community interest in native plants and conservation. Their work enhances the visitor experience through educational programs, volunteer-led tours, and community events. They also contribute to maintaining the Gardens’ extensive collections and orchestrate planting days to expand floral diversity and habitat restoration.

The organization, through its collaborative efforts with the City Council and local community representatives, has supported the development of a Master Plan and ensures the Gardens meet international standards for botanic gardens, positioning it as an important cultural and environmental asset in the Gold Coast region[5].

This nonprofit continues to play a pivotal role in connecting people to the native flora of South East Queensland, supporting biodiversity, and nurturing cultural respect for the natural environment through the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens.

[1] https://friendsgcrbg.org.au [2] https://watergum.org/directory/friends-of-the-gold-coast-regional-botanic-gardens/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/8ed9a097-39af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182 [4] https://www.instagram.com/goldcoastbotanicgardens/ [5] https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Things-to-do/Parks-gardens-reserves/Park-Finder/Gold-Coast-Regional-Botanic-Gardens-Rosser-Park