Just days before his sudden passing on ANZAC Day, world-renowned and celebrated landscape architect Jim Sinatra (second from right) made one of his many impromptu visits to Kyneton Health from his Trentham home to check on the progress of the gardens he designed.

His relationship with Kyneton Health took root in June 2015 following a community tree-planting event working alongside award-winning writer the late Meme McDonald (second from left) and former Board Chair Peter Matthews (far right).

The community donated nearly 200 Eucalypts and Pin Oaks, which were planted across the site, many of them as tributes to family and friends and their connection with the hospital.

Nearly eight years on, Jim continued to be as generous with his time and genius, providing ongoing landscape design advice free of charge.

“He would just turn up every few months and wander around the grounds.  Even if the staff didn’t know his name, they knew his face and why he was there,” said Central Highlands Rural Health CEO Maree Cuddihy (left).

“Jim was a great friend of this health service,” she said.

“His vision helped transform the outdoor spaces for patients, visitors, carers, and staff alike with his contemplative gardens and tree plantings,” pointing to the circle of Ghost Gums near the hospital entrance, winding pathways, and the lush palms just beyond the windows of the hospital’s palliative care and oncology treatment rooms.

“These grounds are his legacy to us and for those who follow, be they patients or staff,” Maree said.

Not only did Jim give the gift of his landscape design freely, but he also lent many beautiful prints from his Banks Florilegium collection to hang on the walls of the hospital’s acute ward.  These prints were of copperplate engravings of plants collected by Sir Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander while they accompanied Captain James Cook on his world voyage between 1768 and 1771.

“We cannot thank Jim enough for all he has done for us.  Our deepest sympathy to his family, Curtis, Mark and Jonathan.”