MACKAY BRANCH
	Holly Fuchsia. Graptophyllum ilicifolium. Family Acanthaceae.

In May 1978, Irene Champion wrote to the SGAP Qld. Region Membership Officer seeking the names and addresses of the SGAP members living in the Mackay district, with the intention of forming a Branch in the area. By that time Cecily and John Daniels were living in Mackay and Cecily’s mother, Olive Hockings, sent her all the relevant information after hearing Irene’s letter read out at a Regional Council Meeting.

Cecily and Irene then contacted the various SGAP members in the area and the inaugural meeting was called on 13th July 1978. Judge Pat Shanahan, then Chairman of Rockhampton Branch, was invited to address the meeting on behalf of the SGAP Qld. Region. "Nice people grow natives" was one of the statements made by Pat Shanahan in his address to the meeting. Approximately 35 people attended with apologies from a further five. John Daniels was elected Chairman, Cecily Daniels Secretary and Irene Champion Treasurer.

In 1983 Mackay Branch hosted a Regional Conference at the Seaforth National Fitness Centre. The theme of the Conference was The Tropics. It was followed by a camp-out excursion to Eungella National Park.

Meetings - first Thursday of month (excluding January), Mackay Gem & Craft Society Hall, Leisure Court, Mackay (near airport), 7.30 p.m.

 See our Contacts page for contact details.