News published: 04 October 2023

A new Board has been appointed to Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria by the Governor-in-Council. Penny Fowler, the current Deputy Chair, is assuming the
position of Chair.

From its establishment over 175 years ago until today, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria has been a place of great vision, imagination, innovation and potential. The Gardens welcomes over 2 million Victorian community members and visitors each year to engage with and deepen their understanding of the natural world through the unique immersive experiences and stories that can only be told within a botanic garden.

The new Board of seven Directors is a diverse group of leaders who share a common passion for Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s vital work in conservation, education, scientific research, and public engagement. Their skills and experience will be instrumental in guiding the organisation to even greater success.
The new Board members are:

• Penny Fowler: Board Chair
• Jason Hay (Deputy Chair)
• Christine Wyatt (continuing Board member)
• Peter Langkamp
• Arianne Rose
• Damian Holmes
• Felicia Mariani

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Director and Chief Executive, David Harland, thanked each of the outgoing Board members for their contributions and
welcomed the new Board. “I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to our outgoing Board Members, Chris Trotman, Chairperson, Tony Bacic and Gillian Hund. They have dedicated considerable time and energy to the Gardens, particularly during the challenging COVID years and I look forward to their continued support of the Gardens.”

“I’d further like to congratulate Penny on her appointment as Chair. We are delighted to welcome Jason, Peter, Arianne, Damian and Felicia to Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. The wealth of experience our new Board brings in the commercial, legal, tourism, marketing and accessibility sectors will be invaluable, as the Gardens tackles the environmental challenges facing the planet whilst being the green beating heart of our city – two important places of sanctuary, beauty, and enjoyment”.

The new Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Board commenced from 1 October 2023.