I started volunteering at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney soon after moving to Sydney after living in the Southern Highlands for more than 30 years. At first, I worked with the Growing Friends and then added guiding to this commitment the following year.
When I joined the volunteer program, I realised I had joined a wonderful group of interesting, enthusiastic people, keen to share their amazing knowledge. The Volunteer Guides are a dynamic group with many and varied interests, and this generous sharing of knowledge has enabled all volunteers and visitors who go on our walks to benefit. I have made some very strong and special friendships in my time volunteering over the years.
I was born in Australia and started my education here, then my family moved to the USA, and I attended school there. Once finishing school, I studied Interior Design in the UK. On returning to Australia, I did an Arts Degree at Sydney University and began teaching.
I am delighted that the Covid-19 restrictions placed on our work are gradually being relaxed, and I look forward to spending more time in this wonderful, friendly and supportive environment.
I can’t think of any other way of completely changing one’s environment so completely and finding a rewarding and happy new life.
Find out more about the volunteer program at the Royal Botanic Garden here.