March 2026
Generous community support transforms hospital garden into a sanctuary of serenity.
The Ivy Suite day oncology unit at St John of God Subiaco Hospital sees countless patients and families pass through its doors daily, each carrying their own hopes, fears and quiet strength. In the hospital’s main courtyard sits a long-established garden area waiting to offer a moment of calm. But after years of constant footsteps and weather, this space was in need of some gentle care too.
Thanks to generous donations made through St John of God Foundation, and the in-kind support of Tim Davies Landscaping, the garden has been beautifully renewed. The team donated their time, expertise and even new plants, thoughtfully redesigning the area to restore its warmth and welcome.
The space has been reborn as the Waalbiirniny (Healing) Garden, honouring the rich and enduring cultural heritage of the Whadjuk Noongar people.
Caregivers, patients and their loved ones now have a sanctuary to sit, breathe, and share precious moments together.
In this space, where a few minutes of calm can mean the world, the renewed garden has become a place of comfort, reflection, and hope.
We are deeply grateful for this heartfelt contribution, and to our community of supporters whose generosity continues to make spaces like this possible. Your kindness helps us surround patients with extra comfort and compassion when they need it most.
Four circular mosaic artworks adorn the wall and paving (pictured in the photos above and below). Titled Koort Boodja (Heart of Country), they celebrate the sacred roles of Fire, Water, Earth and Air, which are central to Noongar understandings of healing, balance, and connection to Boodja (Country) in nurturing wellbeing. These mosaics were created by Noongar/Yamatji mother-daughter artists Emily Rose and Robyn Jean in collaboration with Chris Rose and Scape-ism.
At the garden blessing, pictured (L–R): Sister Elizabeth Bones, Sister Eugenia Brennan, Dr Siobhan Galos, Sister Una O’Loughlin, Sister Catherine McGuane, Tina Chinery, Fr Jude D’Rosario, Sister Isobel Moran AM, Karlee Guest.
Click here to read more about the space and the traditional healing plants chosen for this garden.