Historical moment: Tim Barden with Member for Murray Helen Dalton.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Friday marked the stage five opening of the Moama Echuca Botanic Gardens.
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NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton and Murray River Council Deputy Mayor Frank Crawley were on hand to officially open the latest stage of the project.
Friends of Moama Echuca Botanic Gardens president Tim Barden said Friday represented a significant moment in the history of the project.
Community asset: The Moama Botanic Gardens.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
“We’re proud as Friends of Moama Echuca Botanic Gardens to open this fifth stage,” Mr Barden said.
“This stage complements the earlier stages which centred around the formal entrance and garden with boardwalk and lake, the Settlers Garden, the lookout and the La Belle Helene 2 statue.”
Triple treat: Fran Galvin with David and Helen Maughan.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Much of the stage five section centred around key landscaping of the gardens, which were first opened in 2011.
Designed by renowned landscape architect Chris Dance, the gardens feature indigenous plantings and are contemporary, unique, water-wise and Riverina-themed.
Social occasion: Sherril Francis, Murray River councillor Frank Crawley, Shirley Durrant and Kim Wallace.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
“It is a credit to Moama for how the town has been designed with these wonderful recreation areas for sport and of course these gardens,” Mr Barden said.
“We’ve had wonderful support from Murray River Council and in particular the parks manager Luke Keogh and his team.
“Thanks also to the volunteers, who have put in a tremendous amount of work from the start more than a decade ago to now.
“The vision from there is paying off now, this is a lasting asset to the Moama and Echuca community.”
All smiles: MP Helen Dalton, Nola Vulling, Vance and Erica Smith with Nancye Smith.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Mrs Dalton, an avid gardener, said the Moama Echuca Botanic Gardens more than held its own.
“I’ve been to a number of gardens across Australia and overseas, and I’m really consumed by the whole thing here in Moama,” she said.
“There has been so much thought, so much blood, sweat and tears which have gone behind it, so cleverly designed.
“This style (of garden) is the style I like, I don’t think there’s anything to match this anywhere.”
Cr Crawley paid tribute to the team effort behind the botanic gardens.
“There is a very committed group of volunteers and our parks and gardens team have done a great job in maintaining this outstanding asset for the community,” he said.
Special guests at the opening later enjoyed a cup of tea, biscuits and catch-up with one another.
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