Photos: Graham Tidy and Doc Baldwin
On Friday 5 May 2023, the National Arboretum Canberra officially celebrated its 10th Birthday with a gala dinner.
Ngunnawal Elder, Aunty Violet Sheridan welcomed guests to Country.
Guests entered to the sounds of Wayne Kelly, renowned jazz pianist, performing on the grand piano.
The musical notes continued with captivating performances throughout the evening by William Barton, distinguished composer, didgeridoo virtuoso and 2022 Queensland Australian of the Year, accompanied by the Ellery String Quartet.
William Barton dedicated a solo of 'Bird Song at Dusk' to the Arboretum as a 10th birthday gift.
Hosted by award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Alex Sloan AM, the evening featured heartfelt speeches from Minister Chris Steel MLA, Special Minister of State and John Mackay AM, Patron of the Arboretum. A letter from His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley was read congratulating the Arboretum on the past 10 years.
Trish Keller OAM, Chair of the Friends of the Arboretum, launched the film Arboretum Story 2003 - 2023, with guests treated to excerpts of the film throughout the night.
The bespoke forest inspired menu designed for the night was introduced by Janet Jeffs, Director of The Ginger Group. The menu combined her renowned paddock to plate philosophy taking inspiration from the Arboretum's Bush Tucker Garden.
Scott Saddler AM, Executive Branch Manager of the National Arboretum and Stromlo Forest Park, reflected on his past 9 years at the Arboretum and how far the Arboretum has grown. Scott announced the commissioning of a Forest Sculpture Gallery work for the front dam to commemorate the first 10 years.
Thank you all to our event sponsors …. And especially to everyone who attended and made the night so special.