About Foundation & Friends

Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens is a passionate member group, who's mission is to grow a strong, supportive community to advocate and raise funds to support the vital work and programs across the Botanic Gardens of Sydney. 

Guide showing a purple flowered plant to a visitor
Contact

(02) 9231 8182 (9am - 3pm, Monday - Thursday)

[email protected]

Send an email
Join our digital community
Further informationView our Privacy Policy

Who are Foundation & Friends?

Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens is a community-focused organisation that aims to promote and support the scientific, cultural, and recreational functions of the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.

We currently have more than 4,000 members and 350 volunteers across the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah. Like our plants, we grow bigger and stronger every year thanks to the dedication and support of our donors, volunteers, and supporters.

People enjoying a walk in a tropical garden on a sunny day

Become a member

Support the Gardens and receive great benefits and discounts.
Become a member
People enjoying a walk in a tropical garden on a sunny day

Volunteer with Foundation & Friends

Assist with visitor experiences and events, help raise funds and promote the vital work of the Gardens.
Discover volunteering opportunities
Sunny Pelican art print framed and hung on wall

Foundation & Friends online shop

Purchase stunning artworks or a garden inspired gift. Proceeds support local artists and the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
Shop online
Sunny Pelican art print framed and hung on wall

What's On

Explore upcoming travel experiences, events, exhibitions and plant sales
Book a travel or event experience
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The Gardens Magazine

Read the Seasonal news in our quarterly magazine, brought to you by Foundation & Friends.
Read The Gardens Magazine
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Major events and exhibitions

Find out more about New Years Eve and how you can be involved in major exhibitions.
Find out how you can be involved
People on a buggy at the Garden

Foundation & Friends serve as a bridge between the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, and the community.  

We aim to encourage the use and enjoyment of these beautiful gardens and involve the community in their various initiatives – from hands-on gardening to bespoke events.

Our organisation welcomes plant lovers, scientific research, and conservation supporters, and those interested in quality environmental education to join us in our mission to support and enhance the Gardens' living collections.

We offer a wide range of activities and events for our members, connect the community to the Gardens, and raise funds to support various projects and initiatives within the Gardens.

Contact us

Phone: (02) 9231 8182

Email: [email protected]

Please note our office hours are 9am - 3pm, Monday - Thursday.

Meet our board and executive team

PatronHer Excellency General, The Honourable Margaret Joan Beazley, AC, KC
ChairpersonIan Breedon
SecretaryJuvie Ormonde
Chief Executive Officer Peter Thomas
Board membersClive Austin AM, Sarah Constable, Michelle Frankel, Matthew Glascott, Kate Horrobin, Akiko Jackson, Tony Pearson (Trustee) and Brett Summerell AM (Acting Chief Executive, Botanic Gardens of Sydney)
Foundation & Friends staff teamJade Berry, Joe Bidwell, Anne-Marie Bonner, Michelle Burke, Helen Campbell, Linda Cholson, Louise Claridge, Lily Durland, John Fitzgerald, Misook Pelzman, Amanda Relf, Csilla Swain 

 

The Gardens Magazine

Editorial Coordinator: 

Designer: Lauren Sutherland

Constitution and Financial Statements

Privacy Policy

Please read our Privacy Policy (PDF, 761 KB) as this explains how and why we collect and use your personal information, when your information will be shared or disclosed, and how you can access and correct any personal information that we hold about you.