The AAFBG Biennial Conference 2024 theme is ‘The Challenge of Change: Relationships, Volunteering, Climate and Technology'. There are opportunities for Friends to present at the conference, lead workshops, and participate in a 'Rapid Fire' forum discussion. If you have achieved or are working on a desired change in any of the sub-areas above, this is your chance to share your experiences and conclusions. The conference will be held on 23–26 August, hosted by The Friends of Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens. Submissions should be lodged by mid-February.

This edition of Library Connect has the usual listing of new books, two new photographs for the art collection and a couple of articles on successful citizen science projects and distribution shifts in Australian alpine plants.  The library is staffed Mon - Fri 9.30 - 4.30 or Alex can be contacted by email or phone (02 6250 9480) if you need assistance.  The “click and collect” boxes in the Visitor Centre are still available for returning items, and I’m very happy to leave items there for collection if that’s easier than visiting the library.

A special electronic Christmas version of Eucalypt magazine, the journal of the Australian Association of Friends of Botanic Gardens.

On November 28 the Gardens and the Friends celebrated our volunteers, both in Gardens programs and in Friends activities. Certificates were awarded to volunteers who have contributed for remarkable periods, notably Pat Wright for 25 years.

On December 6 the Gardens also celebrated 10 years of the Visitor Centre Volunteer program, recognising two volunteers who have been involved from the very beginning.