More than 60 members, life members and guests gathered to celebrate Doncaster Garden Club’s 50th Birthday on 3 October 2026. President Mrs Avril Clark honoured the club’s founding members, whose vision and dedication in 1976, led to the establishment of this friendly club for green thumbs in the Manningham community. The celebrations were held at the Doncaster RSL Hall with afternoon tea, birthday cake, and a presentation by local landscape designer, Dr Jacquie Chirgwin, who spoke about her passion for plants and her creation of two beautiful healing gardens.
A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of immediate past president, Mrs Pauline Webb, awarded the prestigious Ann Williams Clark medal by Mrs Maureen Lucas, Director of Awards for the Garden Club of Australia. The medal is the latest in a series of significant honours presented to club members in recognition of their long-standing contributions to Doncaster Garden Club.
Celebrations would not be complete without a raffle, and 16 outstanding prizes were taken home by lucky winners. The Doncaster Garden Club committee is currently finalising its 2027 program and looks forward to welcoming new members in the coming year. For photos from the celebrations and information about upcoming events, visit https://doncastergardenclubaus.com/, where details of the 2027 program will be uploaded soon.
