At the Council meeting on 22 April, Council resolved to enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Foundation.
The MOU has been drafted so that both the organisations understand the rights and responsibilities of the respective organisations.
As part of the MOU, the Mayor will be required to attend an annual meeting with the Foundation.
In 1988 the Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens Inc. In conjunction with the City of Ballarat established The Ballarat Botanical Gardens Community Fund, for Tax Deductible donations.
To further pursue its aims, the Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens Inc. created the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation Limited as a public ancillary fund in October 2018. The Foundation is a company limited by guarantee. The funds remaining in the original Community Fund have now been transferred to the BBG Foundation.
The Foundation exists to support the Friends and provide a means for the community of Ballarat and beyond to contribute to the long-term enrichment of our Gardens.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Ben Taylor says the signing of the MOU is an important step to ensuring the two organisations can work cooperatively together in establishing a shared vision.
"The Ballarat Botanical Gardens is one of Ballarat's most loved public spaces and the City of Ballarat is proud to maintain the gardens year in year out on behalf of our community."
"As a Council we are most grateful and fortunate to have such a dedicated group who give their time to improve and enhance one of the city's great assets."
"The MOU is an important step to ensuring the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation can continue its good work for many years to come."
