Last week community elder Heather Mieni and mum-to-be Juanita Knight joined together with Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Scott McLachlan to turn the first sod for the Bourke Health Service family garden. 

The purpose of the garden will be to provide a peaceful setting for all families when visiting the mum and meeting the new baby.

Scott McLachlan said  Health District community consultations over the past year in Bourke  highlighted  the importance for families to be able to welcome mothers and babies back to country after being discharged from the hospital.

“This garden will provide a nice place outdoors for people to come and enjoy family time,” he said.

Health Service Manager Pat Canty said planning for the landscape design was underway in consultation with the Bourke Hospital Auxiliary and Bourke Garden Club to make sure the right plants are chosen that will suit Bourke’s climate.

If anyone is interested in helping out with the garden you can give Pat a call at Bourke Health Service on 6870 8888.