Country judge, Kate Heffernan
Currently a botanic consultant to Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Kate has also provided consultancy to other Queensland and Victorian botanic gardens. A past chairperson of the Queensland branch of the Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand (BGANZQ), Kate remains actively involved as an advocate for botanic gardens. With qualifications from the University of Queensland, Gatton, and a career of almost forty years as a horticulturist and garden designer, as well as many years as a vocational teacher, she has been provided a fulfilling career. Kate travels to attend and present at national and international garden conferences and events, and has led garden tour groups in the UK, Europe and Australia.
She is as a member of the horticulture media, a feature writer and weekly garden columnist on the Gold Coast, as well as is author of several gardening texts and training resources commissioned by horticulture and nursery industry groups.
Kate is a radio presenter for ABC 91.7FM Gold Coast and has previous experience as garden judge. Kate continues her professional role in the establishment of Gold Coast’s botanic garden, recently completing extensive interpretation signage, and is a continuing member of the Advisory Group and Horticulture Reference Group.
Her work has included developing extensive regional native plant collections.
A recent garden design and plant collection called ‘Story of our Country’ is based on her research into Aboriginal plant uses and collaboration with the Yugambeh people.
She is currently writing a book for the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens about its history, its people and the biodiversity of Gold Coast flora.
Another book is underway about growing Australia’s native plant foods.
She is the recipient of two Australia Day awards for Productivity and for Environmental Achievement. Her love of plants, nature and gardening is shared by husband Alan, her son Ben, and toddler grandson Angus who is happy to share mowing and gardening duties with his dad.