Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation
eNews Issue 1

Welcome to the first edition of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation eNews.

The Foundation exists to help provide a strong and sustainable future for the Ballarat Botanical Gardens through community support, philanthropy and investment.

While many people enjoy the beauty and heritage of the Gardens, fewer are aware of the important role the Foundation plays in supporting projects that preserve, enhance and protect this much-loved community asset for future generations.

In this first edition, we are pleased to share some recent projects that demonstrate the impact community support can have, along with opportunities to become involved in securing the future of the Gardens.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Mark Schultz
Chair
Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation

What Does the Foundation Do?

The Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation was established in 2018 to help provide a strong, sustainable financial future for the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

Operating independently, the Foundation raises funds to support projects that:
• Preserve and restore heritage assets
• Protect and enhance the natural environment
• Improve visitor experiences
• Support the long-term future of the Gardens

The projects featured below are examples of how community support is helping preserve and enhance one of Ballarat's most treasured public spaces.

Prime Ministers Avenue Welcomes New Addition

The Foundation was proud to facilitate the donation that enabled the creation and installation of the newest addition to Prime Ministers Avenue — the bronze bust of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The project was made possible through a generous donation from B R Carlson and demonstrates the important role philanthropy continues to play in preserving this nationally significant collection.

Pictured left to right: BBGF Committee member - Fleur Morrison, Donor B R Carlson, former Printer Minister Scott Morrison, BBGF Chair - Mark Shultz and BBGF Committee member - Elizabeth Gilfillan

A commemorative plaque has been unveiled recognising the funding partners behind the Fernery Landscape Project within the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

Completed in 2024, the project created a welcoming new entrance and fernery forecourt centred around the Claxton Fountain, enhancing one of the Gardens' most significant heritage spaces.

The Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation was proud to contribute $50,000 towards the project and thanks the many donors, supporters and partner organisation’s who helped bring this important restoration to life.

As a result of this shared support, the Fernery will continue to be a place of beauty, reflection and enjoyment for generations to come.

Restoration works on the Statue of Hercules and the wider Stoddart Collection have now been completed, helping preserve an important part of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens' heritage for future generations.

The project was made possible through a generous donation from Rick Thege, facilitated by the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation. The works included conservation of the statues of Hercules, Hebe, Autumn and Bacchante, ensuring these significant heritage assets can continue to be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.

The Foundation sincerely thanks Rick for his generosity and commitment to preserving the history and heritage of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

From the restoration of the Stoddart Collection to supporting projects within Prime Ministers Avenue and the Fernery, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation is committed to preserving the rich heritage of the Gardens for future generations.

The Foundation also plays an important role in supporting projects aligned with the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Master Plan, helping ensure the Gardens continue to evolve while respecting their historic, cultural and environmental significance.

Community support makes this possible.

As tax time approaches, we invite you to consider supporting the Foundation through a tax-deductible donation. Every contribution helps preserve the Gardens' heritage, support projects aligned with the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Master Plan and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy this treasured community asset.

To make a donation, please click Donate Now below.

Interested in creating a lasting legacy? Learn more about leaving a bequest.

🌿 Donate Now
🌿 Learn About Bequests
🌿 Follow Us on Facebook

Every gift, large or small, helps preserve the past and protect the future of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Contact us - info@bbgfoundation.com.au