A Garden For Remembrance Hospital’s Mortuary Garden Revitalised

The Mortuary Garden at Mackay Base Hospital is a place, if given a choice, where no-one wants to be.

For many years, the space allocated as the Mortuary Garden was a desolate, unkempt area that, even in times of extreme sorrow, wasn’t an acceptable place where final goodbyes and respects to loved ones could be spent.

In 2021, in consultation with Mackay Hospital Foundation, the Mackay Base Hospital Auxiliary Committee made it their mission to fundraise in an effort to revitalise this space into a hospitable, sanctuary where family and friends can gather to pay their respects to loved ones who have passed.

A large Queensland bottle tree which is estimated to be more than 10-years-old takes pride of place in the garden which has now had cracked concrete replaced in addition to newly planted grass and raised garden beds installed.

There’s a pergola for shade, as well as a table and seating to host a gathering. The peaceful haven is an ideal space for group gatherings, including those for culturally-related ceremonies.

The project took almost three years and over $38,000 to complete. It was coordinated by Mackay Hospital Foundation and the refurbishment carried out by WSR Constructions.

Mackay Base Hospital Auxiliary President, Allen McFadzen said, “It’s a pleasure to see the final result of the project. Now that it’s complete, we expect it will be well-utilised.

“We couldn’t have reached this point without many organisations and members of the community who have supported our fundraising efforts. We’re extremely grateful to those people and very proud of the Mortuary Garden.”

During his presentation at the event, Sohan de Livera, Laboratory Manager Pathology Queensland said, “the Mortuary Garden has clearly been designed with care and consideration.

“The space symbolizes compassion and is a place that is likely forever going to be remembered by those grieving and starting their journey of healing.”

Mackay Hospital and Health Service Deputy Chair, Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, and Mackay Hospital Foundation board member, Kerry Maley, provided the Acknowledgement to Country, and spoke on behalf of Mackay Hospital Foundation.

The plaque was unveiled by Mackay Base Hospital Auxiliary President, Allen McFadzen and Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate.

Ms Algate commented, “Grief is a very personal sentiment but we believe this garden will play a role in helping to comfort those who are going through a very difficult time in their life”.

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Photo 1: Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate and Allen McFadzen, President Mackay Base Hospital Auxiliary unveil the Mortuary Garden plaque

Photo 2: The plaque which was unveiled

Photo 3: Acknowledgement of Country by Kerry Maley, Mackay Hospital and Health Service Deputy Chair; Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health; and Mackay Hospital Foundation board member. Photos supplied

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