A Larrakia-inspired garden at Palmerston Regional Hospital, funded by the Ichthys LNG construction workforce as a gift to the community, has been officially opened by INPEX General Manager Northern Territory, Roland Houareau, and the Health Minister Natasha Fyles.

The $300,000 investment from the INPEX-operated Ichthys LNG construction workforce funded the design and construction of the Wellness Garden, which provides an outdoor setting where patients and visitors can sit and relax.

Local company Clouston Associates were successful in the Expression of Interest which was open to Darwin based landscape architects.

The garden includes space for personal reflection as well as group gatherings.

Respected Larrakia artist Joe Raymond prepared artwork for the garden, based on the animals and plants associated with the seven-season Larrakia calendar.

Shade and cooling structures feature in the garden and provide protection from the elements.

INPEX worked with Top End Health throughout the design and consultation process of the project, including working with the Palmerston Regional Hospital Cultural Adviser to ensure the Wellness Garden is culturally appropriate.

Quotes from the Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:

“Territorians deserve access to high quality health care, and outdoor landscaped areas can play a vital role in the wellbeing of patients as well as provide an important respite for visitors and family of patients.

“I thank INPEX and Ichthys LNG for funding the Palmerston Regional Hospital Wellness Garden to support amenity and real benefits for patient health and wellbeing.”

Quotes from INPEX General Manager Northern Territory, Roland Houareau:

“INPEX is proud to be part of the Territory community.

“We’re here for the long haul and we’re pleased to deliver the garden for the benefit of Territorians for years to come.”

Media contact: Rob Cross 0439 778 095