Alex Smart

Alex Smart receives Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia

January 26, 2017
General

Alex Smart has received a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division for service to conservation and the environment. The Friends would like to recognise his enormous contribution to the Australian Garden at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Cranbourne Gardens.

Alex has been an active member of Cranbourne Friends since becoming a member in 2001. He joined the Committee soon after and was President from 2004 to 2006. In addition, he volunteered to work at the Cranbourne Gardens and was part of the inaugural volunteer group now know as the Garden Ambassadors, taking tours and sharing his love of the Australian Garden.

Alex has gained the respect of all teams involved in the Australian Garden by acting as the Friends representative, working closely on many occasions with the volunteers and management of the Gardens. Two projects in particular, owe much to the time, energy and vision of Alex, the building of the new Growing Friends Nursery and the Elliot Centre. Alex brought his communication and organisation skills to these two major projects and with a clear plan and dedication to the completion of both projects, the Friends have benefited enormously.

Alex also has a great sense of fun and is known for his wonderful sense of humour. He is a very generous man with both his time and thoughtfulness for others. He is always first to acknowledge the good work that others do. Today it is our turn to acknowledge Alex and his generosity and kindness.

Congratulations Alex Smart! We are very proud to call you a Friend.

Details of Alex’s service below.

Service includes:
Volunteer Guide, (now Garden Ambassador), Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, since 2004 and Volunteer, since 2001.
President, Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, 2004-2006 and Member, since 2001.
President, Association of Friends of Botanic Gardens, 2005-2011 and Committee Member, 1994-2013.
Member, Wilson Park Branch, Australian Plant Society Victoria, current and Founding
Member, Wyndham District, since 2007.
President, Werribee River Association, 2005-2011 and Member, since 2002
Member, Western Melbourne Catchments Network Inc.
Past Treasurer, Friends of Moonee Ponds Creek and Member, since 1989.
Member, Friends of Merri Creek, ‘for many years’
Member, Pascoe Vale Naturalists, 1985-2000.