Australian National Botanic Gardens Growing, studying and promoting Australian plants
	GPO Box 1777 Canberra ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA	Telephone (02) 6250 9538 Facsimile (02) 62509528 Media enquiries: Sabrina Sonntag (M) 0431184787
	NEWS RELEASE

A month of summer concerts in the Gardens!

Throughout January and the first weekend in February 2006 the Australian National Botanic Gardens, in association with the Friends of the Gardens, presents Summer Sounds - the annual summer concert series every Saturday and Sunday until 5 February from 6.00pm.

The concerts feature local Canberra bands and musicians. This Saturday, children of all ages can strut their stuff when Annie and the Armadillos run a special KIDS DANCE COMPETITION during the concert. On Sunday, TheBlues Cowgirls are sure to please with their 3 part vocal harmony.

The Eucalypt and Café Lawns of the Gardens provide a relaxing setting for the concerts and an ideal place for an evening picnic with family and friends. Wine by the bottle or glass, beer and soft drinks are available from the Friends drinks table.

The concerts are a major fundraising activity for the Friends of the Gardens—through gold coin donations for admission to Summer Sounds. The funds collected are used to support projects in the Gardens. In recent years, the Friends have contributed $20,000 annually to various Gardens projects, including the Rock Gardens sundial, new plants for the entrance and the fogging system in the Rainforest Gully.

This Weekend!

Saturday 14 January – 6.00pm on the Eucalypt Lawn

Annie and the Armadillos

with a special KIDS Dance Competition

Sunday 15 January – 6.00pm on the Café Lawn

The Blues Cowgirls

Admission by gold coin donation

Media contact: Sabrina Sonntag

Communications Officer

(02) 6250 9538

(M) 0431 184 787

sabrina.sonntag@deh.gov.au

13 January 2006