Hamilton Botanic Gardens aviary officially open

EXCITED about the official opening of the new aviary enclosure at the Hamilton Botanic Gardens are (from left) Southern Grampians Shire Council deputy mayor, David Robertson, Judy Paterson, FOHBG committee president, Marilyn Lyons, Rowly Paterson, and John Hawker. See story Page 5. Photo: BLAIR BURNS. 210408bb007

By Campbell Kirwan

April 09, 2021 | 2:41 PM

THE long-awaited official opening of the Hamilton Botanic Gardens aviary took place on Thursday morning with many excited onlookers.

The bird enclosure’s opening had been delayed since its completion in July last year, due to COVID-19 restrictions on group gatherings.

Friends of the Hamilton Botanic Gardens (FOHBG) masterplan convener, Leigh Coggins said it was great to finally see the aviary completed and open to the public.

“It’s been a long time coming and quite a journey, and it’s very, very exciting to see it completed and opened and (to hear) all the lovely things people are saying about it,” she said.

“Our guest speaker, John Hawker (Heritage Victoria horticulturalist), hadn’t seen it before and he said he was quite blown away when he walked through the gates, to see how lovely it was.”