Gratitude for garden expansion

By Matt Romania

Back in 2016, Ballan’s Historical Society, the RSL, and health service united to commemorate WWI heroes with a touching memorial garden. This symbolic front garden has now expanded to celebrate the achievements of local fundraisers, connecting history, remembrance, and community.

Initially funded by multiple organisations, the WWI memorial garden stands as a heartfelt tribute at the healthcare centre. Designed to remember over 800 WWI soldiers, many of whom are not acknowledged on Ballan’s main cenotaph, it features in-ground lighting, commemorative pavers, and Anzac roses that ensure their memories live on.

Recently, the garden welcomed another layer of community recognition.

Last month, mecwacare held a dedication ceremony for the fundraising group previously known as the Ballan Lioness Club. Their commendable endeavour to raise over $18,000 contributed significantly to both the expansion and ongoing maintenance of the front garden space.

During a thank you ceremony, Executive General Manager of Home and Community Services, Linda Smart, delivered a short speech expressing gratitude to both the former Lionesses and the Auxiliary.

To honour their fundraising initiatives, several benches now proudly display plaques.

“It was delightful to be able to work jointly with the group formerly known as the Lioness Club,” Michele Lewis, mecwacare’s chief executive, told The Moorabool News.

“This beautiful place of calm is somewhere local people can come to visit and enjoy.”

The Ballan Hospital Auxiliary also deserves commendation for raising $5,000, earmarked for a new dining table for mecwacare’s aged care residents. Their efforts, like those of the Lioness Club, shine a spotlight on the vitality of local groups and grassroots fundraising.
“Groups such as the Auxiliary and the former Lioness Club are important to our organisation through raising funds for our services, as well as for raising community awareness of and engagement with mecwacare.”