On Sunday 6th of February at 3pm in the presence of Villa Alba’s Patron, Lady Hamer, OAM, long-time supporters of Villa Alba joined distinguished guests including garden designer Dr. James Broadbent and members of the public as Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, AC DBE, named Villa Alba’s restored landscape in honour of Sir R.J. Hamer in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Villa Alba as inaugural Chairman and Patron.

The landscape is now known as The R.J. Hamer Heritage Garden.

After the ceremony guests and visitors enjoyed a wonderful afternoon tea provided by the Committee.

On this special Open Day the house and garden were open from 10 am until 4pm and visitors had the opportunity to view an exhibition of late nineteenth century
photographs of the houses and gardens of Marvellous Melbourne.