General News
28 August, 2024
Memorial Rose Garden relocated
The Arthur Ezzy Memorial Rose Garden has been successfully relocated at the Millmerran Hospital as part of the ongoing construction of the new facility.
A dedicated number of volunteers took on the monumental task of relocating the garden, and will continue to care and nurture the roses, so they can flourish in their new home.
The Millmerran Hospital was built at a cost of more than £63,000, in 1952, under the control of the Toowoomba Hospital Board.
It was furnished and equipped at a cost of £7,000 and had beds for 18 patients.
The Arthur Ezzy Memorial Rose Garden was established by the Hospital Auxiliary more than 20 years ago.
“The Hospital Auxiliary named it after Arthur Ezzy who was a board member of the Toowoomba Hospital when the Millmerran Hospital opened in October 1952,” Cheryl King of the Hospital Auxiliary said.
Throughout the years, 43 families have planted roses in the garden, in memory of their deceased loved ones.
Nada Watts was caretaker of the memorial garden for many years until her death in January 2023.
“Nada was a fantastic auxiliary member, and a wonderful caretaker of the garden,” Ms King said.
Throughout the years, the Hospital Auxiliary has funded air conditioning, screens and hand rails at the Millmerran Hospital.
They have also purchased a fridge and microwave for the kitchen, that is used by Meals on Wheels.
Some of the funding has been with the assistance of grants.
Many years ago the Hospital Auxiliary partnered with the Power Station to build a helipad at the hospital.
There was speculation as to whether or not a helipad was necessary, but Ms King said, “The day it was opened, a helicopter landed and it hasn’t stopped since.”
A spokesperson for the Millmerran Commerce and Progress Association extended the committee’s heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers who were part of the garden’s relocation.
“To everyone involved for their commitment to preserving this cherished piece of history - your efforts have made a significant impact, and we are grateful for your hard work,” the spokesperson said.
