UPDATE: A heartfelt tribute has been made to Christiaan Slotemaker de Bruine, the visionary behind Canberra’s beloved Floriade festival, with a plaque unveiled in Commonwealth Park today. This ceremony, attended by family and dignitaries, celebrates the legacy of a man whose contributions transformed Canberra into a vibrant floral destination.
Christiaan, who emigrated from the Netherlands in 1964 to study forestry, proposed the inaugural Floriade in 1986 as a part of Australia’s Bicentennial celebrations in 1988. His collaboration with horticultural manager Peter Sutton brought the event to life, captivating hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
At the plaque unveiling, Christiaan’s widow, Barbara de Bruine, alongside their children and grandchildren, honored his memory in a ceremony that highlights his uncredited yet monumental impact on Canberra’s tourism landscape.
“Christiaan worked tirelessly to create something breathtaking for everyone to enjoy,”
remarked Doris Verbraak from the Netherlands Embassy, emphasizing the dedication that went into the festival’s creation.
Floriade, which showcases stunning tulip displays, first opened its doors in 1988, inspired by the famous Keukenhof gardens in the Netherlands. The event has since become a staple for both locals and tourists, drawing visitors to Canberra every year. This year’s Floriade is currently taking place, running daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM until October 12.
The plaque, which now rests on a bench overlooking Nerang Pool, is a modest yet significant reminder of Christiaan’s contributions. Attendees at the ceremony shared thoughts on potential future tributes, including a commemorative garden bed of tulips paired with an informative board detailing his role in Floriade’s history.
As Floriade continues to bloom this season, the legacy of Christiaan Slotemaker de Bruine will undoubtedly inspire future generations to appreciate the beauty of nature and community spirit he helped cultivate in Canberra.
Stay tuned for more updates on Floriade and its ongoing celebrations as the festival continues to flourish.
