The Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ) 7
th Congress hosted by Wollongong Botanic Gardens 25 - 28 October, 2015, provides the following communique:
Congress was attended by over 200 delegates with 51 Botanic Gardens from Australia, New Zealand and the USA represented. Botanic Gardens employees from Science, Horticulture, Education and Management disciplines were in attendance.
The overall theme for the congress was 'Connecting with Communities', and it included several keynote speakers as well as workshops, presentations, rapid fire talks and field trips.
BGANZ Professional Groups held meetings within the Congress.
Professional Development (BGANZ PD)
A professional development strategy document was presented and members agreed to continue to develop and implement B
GANZ Professional Development program.
BGEN (Botanic Gardens Education Network)
Elected a new committee and began development of a tool box of simple visitor engagement strategies to share between gardens
BRON (Botanic Gardens Records Officer Network)
A Plant Collections database has been developed, in collaboration with Parks Victoria. Regional gardens are encouraged to update and manage their plant collections.
National Botanic Gardens Open Day.
The inaugural National Botanic Gardens Open Day initiative was launched at the congress and is scheduled to be held in May 2016, with date and theme to be confirmed. ABC TV's Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis will be the Australian Ambassador for this event. New Zealand Ambassador to be confirmed.
South East Region Botanic Gardens group
.
