ABOUT
ABOUT FRIENDS OF PEACEHAVEN
Friends of Peacehaven Botanic Park was established in February 2006, to work in collaboration with the local council (at that time Crows Nest Shire Council).
At first the Friends’ focus was on practical work and fundraising to help establish the park. Today Toowoomba Regional Council takes care of all the planting, maintenance and planning work, but encourages input from the Friends and continues to collaborate and consult with them. The Friends make funds available to the council for special projects in the park.
Our thriving native plant nursery, operated entirely by volunteers, is now the Friends’ principal source of income. It also provides the means of promoting the cultivation of native plants in private gardens and the maintenance of biodiversity.
Opening hours at the Peacehaven Native Nursery are:
- Thursday 9 am to 12.30 pm
- Saturday 9 am to 1 pm.
ABOUT THE PARK
Peacehaven Botanic Park is on the land of the Jarowair people of the Wakka Wakka Nation. It is situated in Highfields, 12 kilometres north of the Toowoomba CBD, and was once part of a dairy farm. The farm was established in the 1870s by Ludwig and Albertine Kühl, migrants from Germany. In 2004 their grandson Stanley generously donated 4.7 hectares of this land to the local council for a public park, which he wished to be ‘a place of peace and tranquillity for generations to come’. The park officially opened in August 2006. Sadly, Stan Kuhl died in March 2005 and did not see his dream come to fruition.
In 2012 the council purchased Stan Kuhl’s former home block, and in 2013 this land was incorporated into the park, increasing its area to 5.3 hectares.
A FEW OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Rotunda
The Friends, aided by the Highfields Garden Club, were successful in obtaining a substantial grant from Heritage Bank which allowed construction of the rotunda. It was completed in 2011 and has become an iconic feature in the park. The rotunda is well used for social and musical events, for family gatherings, or just for admiring the view towards the Bunya Mountains.
STUMP IN TIME
This is the stump of a blackbutt tree (Eucalyptus pilularis) more than 200 years old, felled for safety reasons in 2005. In 2012–13 the stump was converted into an educational feature. Its surface was sealed, and the growth rings marked with approximate dates. Timelines listing events that took place locally, nationally and internationally at the corresponding dates were engraved on metal plaques and mounted alongside.
Sculpture of Stan Kuhl
The steel sculpture of Stan Kuhl near the main entrance of the park is based on a well-known photo of Stan leaning on his gate to chat with a neighbour. The Friends commissioned sculptor Richard Eggleston to create the work, and the Highfields Men’s Shed constructed the timber gate. On its completion in 2016, the sculpture was unveiled by Craig Stibbard, a founding member of the Friends and former local councillor. The picture was taken that day, and shows (left to right): Gus Hamilton, then President of the Friends of Peacehaven; Craig Stibbard; Richard Eggleston.
Native plant nursery
The Peacehaven Native Nursery has evolved from small beginnings to the purpose-built complex constructed in 2019. It stocks a wide range of native plants, some of which are rarely found in other nurseries. All profits from sales are used for special projects within the park and for the local community.
NURSERY OPENING HOURS
Thursday 9 am to 12.30 pm
Saturday 9 am to 1 pm
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
New members are always welcome. The annual membership fee is only $15, and membership entitles you to a monthly e-newsletter and a 10% discount on purchases over $20 at the Peacehaven Native Nursery.
Benefits of joining the Friends:
- Meet new people with similar interests.
- Know you’re contributing to your local community.
- Learn about growing and propagating native plants.
Ways you can contribute:
- Volunteer in the Peacehaven Native Nursery.
- Assist at events such as Tavern Talks.
- Join a team to work on a specific project.
- Encourage the cultivation of native plants in domestic gardens.
- Spread the word about our beautiful park.
We welcome any contribution you can make, however small. Even if you aren’t able to volunteer, your annual subscription will still contribute towards the cost of projects undertaken by the Friends.
Visit the membership page for details on how to apply for membership.
