Botanic garden professionals come together to share expertise, tackle common challenges and strengthen connections across the region.
One of the strengths of the BGANZ network is the opportunity for professionals working in botanic gardens and arboreta to come together, share practical knowledge and work through common challenges through our Regional Groups.
A recent NSW/ACT regional gathering at North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour brought together around 20 curators and 10 educators for a full day of discussion, presentations, demonstrations and informal connection. With gardens of different sizes and contexts represented, the day provided an opportunity to compare approaches, share resources and learn from each other’s experience.
The discussions reflected many of the issues currently facing the sector. Curators shared approaches to managing increasing feral animal populations, record keeping and communications around sensitive pest issues. Avian Flu was another important topic, with Wollongong Botanic Garden preparing to share its SOP, risk assessment and supporting resources with the wider network.
Skills and workforce development also featured strongly. The region’s annual project will focus on developing a Garden-to-Garden Staff Training Framework, with discussion extending to the need for stronger and more contemporary horticultural training through TAFE.
The programme also showcased the breadth of expertise within the network. Presentations covered wayfinding and interpretation, new approaches to signage, seed banking, plant recording and mapping technology, Myrtle Rust and the conservation of threatened plant species including Lenwebbia.
And, importantly, professional connection did not stop when the presentations finished. A garden tour, campfire and BBQ provided time to build relationships, followed by a night walk featuring possums and UV viewing of fungi.
This is what makes professional networks valuable. They create space for people to ask questions, share what is working, offer practical resources and learn from colleagues facing similar challenges. They also create opportunities for ideas to travel between gardens and for collective solutions to emerge.
The NSW/ACT gathering was a strong example of the knowledge, generosity and professional commitment that exists across the BGANZ network — and of the value of creating opportunities for our sector to connect.
We encourage all members to contact their regional representative and to find out where your next regional meeting is being held!
Find out more about regional groups here:
Image and information credit for this article: NSW/ACT Regional Convenor Felicity Skoberne, Wollongong Botanic Garden.
