Dear Friend of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne (RBG).
I am writing to you because, like me, you are passionate about the health and future prosperity of our wonderful botanic gardens.
The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is not only one of the most beautiful botanic gardens in the world but is a leader in research and innovation.
As Chairman of the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Trust Fund (the Fund), I am pleased to report that in recent years there has been solid growth in the level of donations: in 2024 $32,621, in 2025 $59,765 and this year it already appears certain we will achieve another solid increase. Continued growth in annual donations, along with growth in the investment corpus (currently sitting at just over $5 million), will allow the Fund to increase the size of grants to the RBG.
Since the Fund was established by the Friends in 1986 over $2.6 million has been donated by way of grants to the RBG (including the National Herbarium). To ensure the Fund can continue to support the RBG I seek your support for the 2026 Annual Appeal.
As you may be aware the Fund has supported many projects since inception, including the refurbishment of Fern Gully, the restoration of the Nareeb Gate and the development of the Sensory Garden. Most recently a $270,000 commitment has been made to restore twelve historic arbours located throughout the Melbourne gardens (the Winter edition of Botanic News features a detailed description of this project). Funds donated in this year’s Appeal will therefore help meet our commitment to the Arbour restoration but will also assist grant making into the future.
In addition to projects such as those mentioned above, the Fund also supports annual Scholarships and the Helen McLellan Research Grant which provide opportunities for RBG staff to undertake study and research that enhances their knowledge whilst also strengthening the capabilities of the RBG. This year one of three scholarships awarded was to Amy Downie, from the Camelia and Grey Garden Collection, to travel to China at the invitation of Professor Wang Zhonglang of the Kunming Institute of Botany, in the company of RBG Melbourne colleague Terry Smyth, to visit three Provinces in South China; Professor Wang is a luminary in his field so this opportunity was one that the Friends are excited to support.
To help the Fund continue to increase the Friends’ support to the RBG by way of grants for projects such as the restoration of arbours, scholarships and research, I again encourage you to consider making a donation to the 2026 Annual Appeal.
Enquiries in relation to the Annual Appeal can be made by going to the Friends’ website, rbgfriendsmelbourne.org and following the links, or by telephoning the Friends’ office on 9650 6398. All donations of two dollars and over are tax deductible.
With best wishes, Will Jones
