Our History

The Friends first met in February 1982. They set out the following objectives:

•  To develop the bond between the RBG Melbourne and the National Herbarium of Victoria and the people of Victoria
• To conserve, protect and sponsor the RBG Melbourne and the National Herbarium of Victoria
• To support the RBG Melbourne and the National Herbarium of Victoria financially
• To foster the interest of members in the RBG Melbourne and the National Herbarium of Victoria, and in plants and flora generally

The Friends’ Trust Fund was established in 1986 to receive donations towards general and specific projects within the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne and the National Herbarium. The Friends became Incorporated in 1987 and is governed by a Statement of Rules.

Patron

Traditionally, the patron of the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is the Governor of Victoria, currently Professor, The Honorable Margaret Gardner, AC.