Some good wine and cheese set the scene for the formal part of the evening including the President’s Report, Treasurer’s report including the audited financial statements for FY 22/23 and election of members to the Executive committee. All outgoing members were thanked for their contribution and dedication in the last year. Tim Harte stood down from the Committee and as GLN delegate and did not seek re-election. We sincerely thank Tim for all his input in both roles over his years on the committee.

Bill Legge kindly acted as Casual Returning Officer and the following members were elected:
Office Bearers: President – Jim Seager,
Vice President – Ian Kelly,
Secretary – Christa Jones
Treasurer – Heike Dunn.
Committee members: Leah Carr (Newsletter Editor), Trevor Jones (Equipment Officer), Jennifer Hallowes (social media), Judy Cohn, Geoff Anson and Sandy Cameron.

We also welcomed two new members to the committee – Ross Mackenzie and Josephine (Joey) Harte and look forward to their fresh ideas and expertise. Joey has offered to assist with our social media, photography and has been appointed as a GLN Delegate, along with Christa Jones.

The formal part of the evening was followed by our guest speaker Peter Shaw, who in 1995 established Ocean Road Landscaping in Anglesea with his wife Simone.

Peter’s book ‘Soulscape: Connecting Gardens to Landscape’ explains his passion for the local landscape and how it has fashioned his approach to innovative and beautiful landscape design around the Surf Coast area. Features of the designs to me are how they fit into their local environment and his use of indigenous and native plants to build spaces that are a joy to be in. He has featured in many articles on innovative design and has appeared on Gardening Australia.

Congratulations to those elected and thank you to Bill Legge, our Casual Returning Officer and to our inspiring and passionate guest presenter Peter Shaw.

Upcoming events for 2023:
4-6th October – Geelong Nature Festival – BHLG display at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre
14th October – TBC – Preparing your Property for the Fire Season
8th December – Christmas Party – Ross and Pom Mackenzie will be our hosts.