UPDATE: A service will be held in East Kew, Victoria for Valerie on August 28 at from 1.55pm, which will be live streamed. Full details of the invitation to the service here. It is likely her ashes will be scattered in Queensland.
It is with sadness we report that founding member Valerie Zwart has died in Victoria.
Valerie Zwart was a much-loved member of the Australian horticultural community. After spending many years working in South Australia, she and her late husband Gerry, headed north to Queensland to live in the picturesque Sunshine Coast hinterland. They volunteered their time to support numerous community- and gardening-related groups and were generous benefactors to the Maroochydore Botanic Gardens. They wrote and provided images for the Sunshine Coast Daily and the Gardenlovers Magazine.
Valerie was a founding member of the Queensland horticultural media group (HMAQ) and remained very actively involved in events until relatively recent years. Prior to amalgamation into the national body, Valerie was an executive member, secretary or treasurer for as long as most of us can remember.
Valerie and Gerry were fixtures at the Queensland Garden Show, organising the Plant Clinic timetable and spending a few hours each day providing invaluable advice to visitors. We have Valerie to thank for our regular pre-Queensland Garden Show dinners. In days gone by Valerie would explore dining options at golf clubs, Chinese restaurants or the newest Sunshine Coast establishment before deciding on a suitable venue and taking bookings. Valerie had a bright personality, as well as a great sense of style and always enjoyed dressing for the occasion.
After Gerry’s passing, Valerie moved to Victoria to be closer to family. She remained in touch with several members via phone calls, and was sent cards and photographs of media association events. Valerie Zwart was a gentle, polite soul who will be sadly missed. She slipped away peacefully on August 11, 2025, aged 97.
A funeral service to remember Valerie will be held at 2pm on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at White Lady Funerals, 741 High Street, Kew East, Victoria. Interstate members are invited to attend via Zoom.
Annette McFarlane
