The Friends of Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Sherwood Arboretum Ltd. is a not-for-profit Company Limited by Guarantee.

The FBBGSA Company objectives are:

  1. To advocate for the conservation and protection of heritage, natural, scientific and recreational values of Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Sherwood Arboretum;
  2. To encourage high standards and effective management and maintenance of Brisbane Botanic gardens and Sherwood Arboretum;
  3. To support the administration and enhancement of BBGs and Sherwood Arboretum;
  4. To promote public appreciation of BBGs and Sherwood Arboretum as well as scientific, horticultural, artistic, literary and educational interests at local, State, Federal and international levels;
  5. To engage with a widely diverse community with a program of ongoing events and activities in support of BBGs and Sherwood Arboretum;
  6. To connect with individuals, groups, organisations and agencies and share knowledge and experience in order to achieve the foregoing objectives.

The board of The Friends of Brisbane Botanic Gardens & Sherwood Arboretum are pleased to announce that Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young PSM Governor of Queensland and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD have accepted our invitation to be the FBBGSA’ Patrons for the life of the governor’s appointment.

Congratulations to the new FBBGSA…

Board of Directors 2025

The Friends of Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Sherwood Arboretum is pleased to announce the results of this year’s election at the AGM of January 2025. The board members bring an enviable cache of leadership expertise and industry experience to the table. They will enable The Friends to continue to meet our objectives and build on our work to support the gardens and the community.

Julie Lumsdale, Director

As a paid life member of the Friends of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens & Sherwood Arboretum (FBBGSA) from its inception I have a strong and ongoing commitment to the success of this organisation.  Several years ago I was active as a Board member for 12 months – focusing on increasing membership via activities (walks, talks, promotion at plant events, initiating the Propagating Group, plant sales on weekends until it folded as a few examples).  The members of this Propagating group have continued to meet at garden and related events each month for the past 4 years and I am forever grateful to these talented members connections, knowledge and assistance in establishing the current Board and for brain storming activities for FBBGSA members.

My sales and management background through my 40 year paid work highlighted the importance of promoting the right solutions to the right people in a personable way.  I am keen to introduce an policy of openness, inclusiveness, accountability and joint involvement in FBBGSA so our objectives of Protect, Promote and Connect are achieved and top of mind.

I do have a creative streak which is presently expressed through my Sogetsu Ikebana arranging, my own garden design and planting and ability to view situations in many different lights to understand the issues.  Just don’t ask me to draw!!

As a grandparent to 2 young grandsons (and another on the way) I am keen to make early plant connections with children to given them opportunities to garden in their way so a lifetime interest in this field may be possible. 

To summarize I am an active and committed member of FBBGSA.  The talents of our membership are an amazing resource I hope to utilise and therefore enhance FBBGSA prominence and standing in this world standard Botanic Gardens – both Mt Coot-tha and City.  With the expansive and treasured plant collections we are all able to access for free let us all come together to show our appreciation of this beauty right her in Brisbane.  Come join us for the ride!

Robyn Mills, Director

Robyn has an abundant garden in inner-city south Brisbane and has been a member of the Friends for several years, commencing with the Propagation Group to learn techniques and assist with fund-raising for the Friends’ greenhouse (stymied by Covid restrictions). A keen traveller, photographer and creator of photobooks, she loves snapping wildflower pictures and visiting national parks, reserves and gardens. Robyn also hikes (often on Mt Coot-tha) and enjoys being in nature on foot and on her bike. She is an environmental activist with a number of groups in Brisbane. Also, after retiring from her career as a librarian, she volunteers with community organisations and charities.

Mary Jo Katter, Director

ACN: 607 589 873 ABN: 20 607 589 873

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