Link to Courier article: `Friends' take control
Saturday 18th October 2008
A good sized crowd turned out for the official handover - from the Ballarat City Council to the Friends of Royal Park committee.
Under the gaze of television cameras and newspaper reporters, the Mayor Cr Stephen Jones and FoRP President Philip Allen spoke to the assembled crowd.
Gerry Skene and the children followed up with some environmentally themed tunes.
Demonstration plots for Groups, Individuals and special raised beds were viewed with interest, along with a mark out of the Mandala garden.
BREAZE held an information stall and interest in the Community Garden plots was strong, with many people signing up for a plot on the day.
Indigenous plantings along the west boundary were completed, thanks to the efforts of visitors and the support of the Leigh Catchment Group Landcare network. Thanks to Tony Coxall, The Ballarat Tree Fella, 0418 177 473 for the mulch.
The Herb Spiral was also completed with the assistance of the children, and the great efforts of Michelle Quarrell and Paul Ryle.
Michelle organised a donation of an excellent range of culinary hebs from Sebasapol's Formosa Gardens Nursery, and Paul's planning and collection of all the building materials made for a successful display.
Thanks to the Formosa Gardens Nursery for their support!
