New leadership for Sydney Botanic Gardens Trust

NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker has appointed a new Chair of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust to bring in a new era of showcasing Sydney's gardens to Australians and the world.

Minister Parker said Ken Boundy will make an outstanding contribution to the Trust after a distinguished career in leading marketing and international businesses in the private sector and as head of Tourism Australia and the Australian Tourist Commission.

Minister Parker explained that Boundy "comes with excellent credentials in high level management and his appointment comes at a time when new plans are underway to maximise the national and international appeal of our three gardens in the heart of the city and in western Sydney.

"The gardens are experiencing unprecedented popularity thanks to new initiatives like Autumn of the Arts, a program that brings people to experience the gardens in a really unique way through music and theatre.

"The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, is now arguably the most visited garden in the world with 3.5 million people entering its gates each year.

"After we scrapped entry fees in April 2011, visitation to the Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan is up by almost 250%, while visitor numbers are up by more than 60 per cent to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah.

"I want the gardens to continue to attract even more visitors, not only from local communities but from around Australia and overseas. (Ken) Boundy is the right person to capitalise on the attraction of the gardens."

Boundy succeeds Greg Martin who, as Chairperson, has contributed to the growth of the gardens since 2003.

Ken Boundy said he was delighted to be appointed Chair of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, stating "I am looking forward to the challenge of maximising the appeal of our superb gardens to all Australians and international visitors while at the same time boosting the economic benefits the gardens bring to NSW."

Boundy is a professional company director and chairman and part owner of two businesses.

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