Sunshine, laughter and the sounds of nature set the scene in the Healing Garden at Bundaberg Hospital as staff gathered for the 4th Annual Spring Garden Event, a cherished initiative that continues to grow in both reach and impact each year.
Coordinated by WBHHS Nurse Educator Julie Melhop and supported by Partners in Care Together and Bundaberg and Gin Gin Landcare, the spring celebration was a wellbeing event that encouraged staff to reconnect with nature and recharge in a peaceful setting.
A calm and restorative space, the Healing Garden offers opportunities for reflection, sensory engagement, and connection with nature. Its growth in popularity by patients, visitors and staff demonstrates the value that thoughtfully designed green spaces can bring to healthcare settings.
Give-away plants, raffle tickets, herbal teas and wood-fired pizzas all contributed to an environment that encouraged an appreciation of the outdoors while taking time out from a busy healthcare environment.
This year, thanks to Bundaberg and Gin Gin Landcare, 160 trees and shrubs were distributed with staff taking home a diverse range of plants to establish in their gardens and communities.
“Each tree planted represents a lasting investment in environmental sustainability and community wellbeing,” Julie said.
“Trees improve air quality and bring many other benefits like shade and cooling, habitats for wildlife, capturing carbon from the atmosphere, and helping to build climate resilience.
“Just as importantly, they contribute to human health and wellbeing. Research consistently shows that access to green spaces can reduce stress, improve mood, promote relaxation, enhance concentration, and support overall mental health.”
Nurses have an emerging and essential role in leading sustainable healthcare initiatives and practices, advocating for environmentally responsible health systems. Information on display included the new WBHHS Sustainability Strategy and the Australian College of Nursing White Paper, The Nursing Response to the Climate Emergency.
Reflecting on the success of the day, Julie said it was wonderful to see staff so positive and engaged.
“Taking time to step outside, connect with colleagues, and enjoy the garden is incredibly important,” she said
“Staff shared stories, selected plants to take home, and enjoyed spending time together away from the clinical environment.
“In a world often dominated by challenging news and global uncertainty, the event provided a welcome reminder of hope, growth, and the positive impact that small actions can have.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it's inspiring to see so many people embracing this opportunity.”
Many people also viewed the new therapeutic sensory garden, a wishlist item from Partners in Car Together, which is already being enjoyed by patients, visitors, and staff.
As the final plants found new homes and staff returned to their workplaces carrying trees, shrubs, and renewed energy, one thing was clear: the Spring Garden Event has become much more than an annual gathering.
“It is a celebration of wellbeing, sustainability, connection, and the belief that by nurturing nature, we also nurture ourselves and our communities,” Julie said.
“With engagement continuing to grow, the future looks bright for this event. After all, every tree planted today is a promise of a greener, healthier tomorrow.”
A huge thank you to Partners in Care Together for their ongoing support in fundraising for hospital wishlist items, Bundaberg and Gin Gin Landcare for supplying plants and BRC Taste Festival for the donation of a generous raffle prize.