SGAP(Qld) - Rockhampton Branch

ROCKHAMPTON BRANCH

Byfield Fern
Bowenia serrulata. Family Zamiaceae.

Rockhampton Branch was established in 1975. The first chairman was Rod Bartlem and the first Secretary was John Hamilton. In 1982, Rockhampton published their book, Australian Plants for the Rockhampton District - A Beginners Guide. Rockhampton was the first country Branch to host a Regional Conference, which was held in May 1979, followed by a camp-out excursion to the Blackdown Tableland. They hosted a second very successful Conference in September 1996, followed again by a camp-out excursion to the Blackdown Tableland.

Rockhampton SGAP was the host for the 1996 Queensland Region Conference and the following description of the Branch was written by Ann McHugh, Chairman of the Rockhampton branch:

"Rockhampton is the fourth oldest of the country SGAP branches in Queensland, and was established in April 1975. John Hamilton had been a member of SGAP in Townsville and, on returning to live in Rockhampton, soon found others interested in our native Flora in Rod Bartlem and Col Cornford. After a few home-based get-togethers, the first official meeting was called at the TAFE College, Bolsover Street, in April 1975. Merv Hodge was invited to come from Brisbane to speak to potential members. The first mention of Rockhampton SGAP in the state newsletter was May 1975. This current SGAP conference is the second to be held here, the first taking place in 1978. Pat Shanahan, now of Brisbane, is the only life member of our group.

The members of Rocky SGAP are involved in a variety of activities, apart from our regular monthly meetings and excursions. We coordinate the Australian Food Plants Study Group for ASGAP and have participated in the establishment of the useful plant section along Thozet Walk in the Kershaw Gardens. A small group of enthusiasts meets regularly to work on their botanical identification skills, and others branch out into floral art, paper making and photography. Community involvement is one of the features of our club, and our members work with schools, youth groups, revegetation projects and surveys, as well as providing floral displays and information for any function or event that requests our participation."

Meetings

Meetings - fourth Friday of month, Frenchville State School Administration Building, 7.30 p.m.

See our Contacts page for contact details.

ROCKHAMPTON BRANCH
	Byfield Fern Bowenia serrulata. Family Zamiaceae.