It is the start of a new chapter for the dedicated volunteers at the Southern Higlands Botianic Gardens (SHBG), with the turning of the sod for its education centre.
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More than 40 people gathered at the gardens to mark the occasion on August 22.
The new facility would feature an educational room that could sit more than 50 people, a kitchenette, clock tower, solar panels, air conditioning, audiovisual equipment, a television, NBN connection, storerooms and accessible pathways.
SHBG chairman and CEO Charlotte Webb said the "all weather" facility would make a major difference to attendees, where the volunteers used tents prior when they held events and people visited.
"It's an exciting step forward in the development of the botanic gardens," she said.
"We can now have children come to the gardens and use the facility."
The future building will connect to another in the gardens, and has been funded by the federal and state governments, as well as two generous benefactors.
The plans for the facility have been drawn by Pitch Studio.
The soil was turned by council's administrator Viv May PSM, independent member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan and assiatant treasurer, minister for financial services and member for Whitlam Stephen Jones.
The future venue would be used for education programs and can be used by groups for private, corporate and community purposes, as well as exhibitions.
"Having an education centre shows them what gardening means," Ms Hannan said.
Ms Webb OAM said the doors would open out fully so that people in the building still felt like they were in the garden.
"There's been a lot of community support for this project, and I am pleased construction is now getting underway," Mr Jones said.
"This new education centre will be a major tourist draw card for the Southern Highlands, and after speaking with local volunteers today, they are excited for an increased volume of tourists to the Botanic Gardens and surrounds."
Construction is due to commence toward the end of August, where it would be locked up by Christmas, and completed by early 2024.
People can make submissions about the facility's plan of management through Your Say Wingecarribee until October 3.
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Briannah Devlin
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
