Botanic Gardens of Sydney is delighted to welcome Courtney Act as its newest ambassador, bringing curiosity and a healthy sense of wonder to our natural spaces and our conservation work.
In 2003, Shane Jenek auditioned for the first season of Australian Idol. Turned away, he bent the rules - and his gender - returning the next day as Courtney Act and a star was born. Courtney was signed to Sony/BMG and became the first drag performer in the world to debut on a major label.
In 2014, Courtney captured global attention on season six of the Emmy Award-winning RuPaul’s Drag Race, standing alongside Bianca Del Rio and Adore Delano as one of the most iconic and beloved top threes in the show’s history.
Beloved for her creativity and unmistakable flair, Courtney brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the Gardens, sharing the belief that paying attention to the living world - especially plants - helps us build a more thoughtful, inclusive future.
Working across entertainment, education and advocacy, Courtney bridges worlds that don’t often meet, creating new pathways for people to engage with plants, science and storytelling. As author of a gorgeous new children's book, Confetti and the Rainbow Garden, Courtney invites readers into a magical garden where imagination and nature grow side by side.
Illustrated by Dylan Finney, Confetti’s journey of self-discovery - as they wonder whether they’ll grow into a wistful waratah, a lorikeet-laden grevillea or a frolicking fern - is a celebration of family, identity and the joy of being unapologetically yourself. The book reflects the Gardens’ belief that curiosity, creativity and connection to plants can shape how children understand the world around them.
Together, Courtney and the Gardens look forward to inspiring more people to connect with nature, explore the botanic gardens, and discover the stories that grow here.
