At our 2026 Annual General Meeting:

It was meant to be a celebration and show of appreciation for the two founders of Friends of Ivanhoe Park Botanic Garden – Lloyd and Denise Keen – as they stepped down after 9 years.  Sadly, after we learned that Lloyd had passed away the day before it became a lot sadder.

Tony Lewis, Acting President, opened the meeting with an acknowledgement of service by Lloyd and Denise – his entire speech is attached.

Tony concluded by announcing that the the current Executive Committee had agreed unanimously to make both Lloyd and Denise life members of FIPBG. With Lloyd’s unfortunate passing on Thursday September 24, life membership will now only be extended to Denise.

Mayor Sue Heins next spoke about the contribution that both Lloyd and Denise had given to FIPBG and to the Manly community in general through their roles in the Precinct Committee and later the Local Community Forum.

She said that the success of the garden today and improvements that have been achieved was due to a significant extent to the volunteers because of their work in the garden, their collaboration with the Council and promotion of the garden by welcoming visitors, holding events and fundraising activities.

As an acknowledgement of their outstanding record of Community Service, Sue presented Certificates of Appreciation to Lloyd and Denise and thanked them on behalf of NBC and the community.

Denise thanked everyone for their comments on behalf of herself and her family.  She talked about Lloyd’s passion for Ivanhoe Park and the Botanic Garden and that he had had the vision and expertise to work with Council and Local Members to achieve great outcomes.