This forum will explore the value of living collections in botanic gardens through a holistic view that incorporates economic, environmental and social benefits of living landscapes – enabling gardens to demonstrate their impact and inform strategic decison-making. Practical insights and potential solutions will be outlined to advance community recognition and the effective management of plant collections as vital public assets.

Presenters:

Dr Dave Kendal, Future in Nature - Social values for the environment

Dave is an internationally recognised expert in urban nature, ecology and biodiversity conservation. His work explores how people value, perceive and influence nature in cities and beyond. With a strong focus on the social dimensions of ecology, he researches the dynamic relationship between human communities and natural systems.

Padraic Fisher - Director, National Wool Museum

Padraic is the director of the multi-award winning National Wool Museum in Geelong. He has a lifetime of experience in arts, culture, heritage and entertainment across three continents. A collector and storyteller at heart, his work is ground in creating meaningful experiences, managing cultural assets and building sustainable business models through strong interdisciplinary partnerships. He is a member of the Collections and Programs Committee of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), former National Councillor and Victorian State Branch Committee member of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, and a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. A Hudson Valley native New Yorker, Padraic moved to Australia in 2010 and lives in an 1870 heritage property in Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria.

Ian Allan, Supervisor Natural Areas and Arboriculture, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, Botanic Gardens of Sydney

Ian has been working in horticulture for over 25 years, gaining extensive experience and a strong foundation in the industry. He holds diplomas and trade-level qualifications in horticulture, landscaping and arboriculture and is also accredited in multiple internationally recognised tree risk assessment systems. Qualified in tree valuation, Ian played an integral role in establishing a value for the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Living Collections, which were impacted by the 2019 Black Summer bushfires.