From the Lord Mayor's Office
Stopping to smell – and celebrate – roses
We couldn’t have asked for a more picture-perfect morning at the Wollongong Botanic Garden today for the unveiling of a brand-new rose.
The new ‘Inspirational Women’ Rose was the brainchild of one of our own, local inspirations – the wonderful Dorothy ‘Dot’ Hennessy OAM.
For those who’ve ever had contact with Dot, they’ll understand just how much of a valued community advocate she is.
She’s a dedicated volunteer, she was the first female President of the Rotary Club of Wollongong and was a driving force behind the creation of Greenhouse Park right near the city centre.
So, it came as no surprise to me when I was invited to the launch of a brand-new rose for the Botanic Garden that was specially bred at the request of Dot.
I was, however, humbled when I was told that the motivation behind the development of the Inspirational Women Rose was, in part, myself and other women at Wollongong City Council whose work is all about improving where we live for the benefit of our community.
Next time you’re at the Wollongong Botanic Garden be sure to stop by the Rose Garden to see the rose with deep purple petals that frill around the edges and fade to white. It’s in the Australian Collection on second bed to the left from the Rose Garden entrance, and a lovely way to take a moment and reflect upon those women in your life that inspire you.
Read the Media Release: Botanic Garden gifted new rose to celebrate inspiring women
