A new garden has opened at Wonthaggi Hospital thanks to a community effort, with funds donated by the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi, Bass Coast Shire Council, Bass Coast Health and a bequest from the estate of the late Dennis Ginn.
The Dennis Ginn Memorial Garden was opened on Friday 8 July and is located between the hospital’s main building and Armitage House, currently the Emergency Department.
“The garden will provide a quiet space for staff, patients and visitors to reflect, and will improve the wellbeing and health outcomes of all,” Bass Coast Health Board Chair Don Paproth said.
“We at Bass Coast Health are grateful to Dennis, to the Ginn family, to Rotary and to Bass Coast Shire Council.”
Mr Ginn was a member of the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi for more than 30 years and was known for his passion for the club and his contribution, including conducting auctions at club fundraisers and leading a Rotary Group Study Exchange to Germany.
Mr Ginn passed away on 27 March 2020 at his property, Yancowinna, at Cape Paterson. He was a husband to Christine, father to Drew, father-in-law to Melanie, grandfather to Kyra and Jasper, step-father to Tyrone and the son of Len (dec).
A successful real estate agent, Mr Ginn was also a well-known breeder of Angus cattle and a member of the cattle industry.
“Dennis was a highly respected member of Rotary and our community,” Mr Paproth said.
Drew, who attended the opening with his son Jasper and Dennis’s wife Christine, said his father was in the care of Wonthaggi Hospital several days before he died.
“Having an outdoor area like this is really important for people. Knowing there is somewhere that you can go for a walk and where you can sit outside is really important for people when they are recovering,” Drew said.
“Dad loved seeing the community grow and improve. He would be looking down and loving the fact that his contribution is being recognised in this way.”