Tondoon farewells Visitor Services Officer after 17 years.

After 17 years in her Visitor Services role at Tondoon Botanic Gardens - Merilyn Haigh is leaving the booming industrial hub of Gladstone on Queensland's central coast, for the bright lights and new career opportunities of Brisbane.

Highlights of Merilyn's time at Tondoon have been developing a well-attended school's program, attending numerous BGANZQ Conferences and presenting papers on Botanic Gardens Engagement. A career highlight was attending the BGCI Education in Botanic Gardens Conference in Oxford, United Kingdom and presenting the paper "Bringing the Bush to the City".

Merilyn has enjoyed being in the Visitor Services role at Tondoon where she could share her knowledge and experiences with many children who venture into the Gardens each year.   Merilyn believes that "education is the strength of Botanic Gardens that allows us to communicate the importance of conserving plants and reaching out to diverse audiences".

Merilyn organised the 1st group Visitor Services facilities tour of Brisbane for network member botanic gardens - a wonderful opportunity for isolated Queensland regional members to access the latest in tools and delivery methods via Brisbane's main 'eco' attractions.

Merilyn will be taking on a environmental education role with Brisbane City Council in 2012 and is looking forwards to the exciting environmental education programmes and events Brisbane City offers.