First State-asset Firewise Garden opens at Rockingham General Hospital to protect and nurture

Rockingham General Hospital (RGH) has officially opened Western Australia’s first firewise garden in a State Government facility, designed to protect the hospital and surrounding community from the threat of bushfires.

With 67 per cent of the City of Rockingham region consisting of bushfire-prone land, the hospital has taken proactive steps to reduce fire danger while creating a therapeutic outdoor space for patients, visitors and staff.

Federal Member for Brand, the Hon Madeleine King, State Member for Rockingham, the Hon Magenta Marshall, and City of Rockingham Mayor, Deb Hamblin, joined hospital leaders and community representatives to celebrate the opening.

Acting Executive Director of RGH, Clive Mulroy, praised the strong collaboration, between the hospital, the City of Rockingham and developer Forever Project, that brought the project to life.

Clive said the Firewise elements of the garden protect the buildings, patients, visitors and staff from the potential impact of bushfire and ember attacks.

“The landscape design features fire-retardant gravel paths and clear access. The native plants used are naturally high in moisture and low in flammable oils. Feature rocks and other elements like stone and metal seating are all low flammability structures,” Clive explained.

“It’s purposeful, it’s also visually appealing and therapeutic for patients. The garden provides a haven for patients, consumers, families and staff to find solitude and respite.

“It will encourage people to go outdoors, get out for a walk and go down to the garden to spend time together, engage with the space and interface with nature. We have already seen family members and staff taking a moment of peace while sitting on the bench seat carved out of a large log.

“In this garden, paths lead to a central yarning circle, promoting conversations, inclusion and belonging,” Clive said.

Named Walbreninj Bidi in consultation with local Noongar elders and cultural advisers, the name means the holistic path to healing and reflects the therapeutic benefits of the space.

The garden is located outside the Mimidi Park mental health inpatient unit, between the hospital and the surrounding bushland.

Thanks to the City of Rockingham, the Forever Project, the National Emergency Management Agency, the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the RGH Auxiliary for making it a reality.

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