Gold miner honoured with garden

ONE of its biggest contributors to Bendigo Health was recognised last week with the ribbon cut on the Agnico Eagle Australia Therapeutic Garden.

Located near the entrance to Bendigo Hospital, the event was marked with a plaque unveiling by Agnico Eagle and Bendigo Health management at what is hoped will become a popular gathering space for patients and staff.

Agnico Eagle Australia vice-president of Australian operations Ion Hann said contributing to the community was important to the miner.

“For us being engaged with the community is just part of who we are,” he said. “This is where we live, I raised a family here, and unfortunately, I’ve friends who use the Cancer Wellness Centre.

“Why wouldn’t you be engaged in every way that you can in Bendigo? I think Bendigo’s blessed. I genuinely think Bendigo has so many good people who want to give to this community.

“We are just a small part of that, and we certainly don’t get involved for this. But we humbly accept the acknowledgement.”

The majority of Agnico’s donations go to the Cancer Wellness Centre, and oncologist Jenna Singh said the service couldn’t run without the money.

“The contributions go to supportive care around cancer patients,” she said. “Offering them complimentary therapies.

“We offer a range of services such as massage, yoga, mindfulness classes, walk support groups, psychology sessions, pet therapy, music therapy, art therapy, journaling and workshops.

“Anything that’s considered supportive care is what the donations go to.”

Ms Singh said she hopes to get patients out enjoying the garden and she appreciates the support of Agnico Eagle Australia.

“I will encourage patients to come and take in the tranquillity of the gardens and chat out here,” she said. “It’s a beautiful space away from the hospital setting, it’s lovely.

“We can’t thank Agnico Eagle enough for their contributions. The supportive care component isn’t government funded we do rely heavily on community partnerships such as this so we’re very appreciative.”