Angie Bell (Moncrieff, Liberal National Party, Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education) Share this | Hansard source

Last week I attended the official launch of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Avenue and Woodland Walk at the beautiful Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. I visited several times this year, and last time I was honoured to plant the inaugural tree for the woodland walk. I'm proud to say that, even though local news didn't quite cover it as such, this project was funded, through my office, by the former coalition government, with $18,215 under the Planting Trees for The Queen's Jubilee Program. This project will increase community awareness and is a celebration of Her Majesty's jubilee and now stands in her memory.

I extend my thanks to the Governor of Queensland Her Excellency Dr Jeannette Young for making the trip down the Gold Coast to officially launch the walk and my colleague the member for Southport, Rob Molhoek, who is in the House today. I especially acknowledge Benowa State School and St Kevin's Catholic school who attended and who avidly support the botanic gardens all year round. And I give a special shout-out to Vyum from Benowa State School who was celebrating his 12th birthday on the day.

Last but certainly not least I cannot speak about the botanic gardens without highlighting the fantastic 'Friends' who are the absolute heart and soul of the gardens. I commend President Alex Jakimoff, Secretary Catherine Simpson, Friends founder and project leader, Kate Heffernan, City of Gold Coast Curator Paul Cockbain, and all the wonderful volunteers for the hours of dedicated work they put in to make the garden such a special place. Let's not forget the egg sandwiches and the date cake!

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