The 2022 Noosa Queensland Day Awards are all about honouring inspirational locals.
As we move towards the big day, it’s time to get a sneak peek into some of the deserving nominees who will be honoured on Thursday 6 June, Queensland Day.
Two nominees from Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens have devoted hours of their time and expertise over many years to improving the fantastic gardens at Lake Macdonald.
The first nomination from this organisation is Willy Ostwald who has been the secretary and the propagation team manager for the last three years.
Willy has also put her impressive business skills to good use applying for grant applications and developing operational systems for the organisation.
“There are a variety of plants grown in the propagation facility, including rare and collectables, sourced from the Noosa Botanic Gardens, as well as from collectors and members’ personal gardens,“ Willy said.
“Many of the plants go back into the Gardens with the rest offered for sale to the general public at our three Saturday morning plant sales during the year. Funds raised from these sales go back into improving the gardens.
“For example, we have just been successful with a grant that will partially fund a shade sail over the dinosaur dig at the Gardens.
“Funds we’ve raised through plant sales will supplement the grant to enable the project to happen.“
Also nominated is president Jill Brownlee who joined the Friends in 2014 as she saw the potential to hold events to attract more people to the Gardens.
She was the driving force and founder of the annual Father’s Day Plant Fair which grew to be a much loved and well attended event put on hold during Covid.
Instead, with the support of Noosa Council, the Friends encourage people to enjoy art and music in the Gardens on the first Sunday of each month.
Jill also volunteers in most aspects of the organisation and is a family-friendly face at the gardens.
“It is such a lovely surprise to be nominated, particularly for volunteering for a cause that you enjoy so much,“ Jill said.
“We have a great team at the Friends of Noosa Botanic Gardens and we are always looking for new active members.
“We have such a variety of roles from gardening to propagation and helping with events like guided walks and plant sales.
“If you have any interest in hands on garden maintenance, or learning more about plants, please think about volunteering as it is very rewarding.“
