Dorrigo Health Campus incorporates emergency, acute care and community health services and 21 nursing home beds.

The project is a sensory garden with several highlights tuned to the history of the local area.

It is the brainchild of members of the campus’ advisory committee, led by Nurse Manager, Lynn Forsyth.

The garden will serve as a memorial to previous residents and a retreat area for present ones.

It already includes a long gently graded path, a retreat and rest area, comfortable seating and the foundations for an extensive sensory garden.

The next part of the project calls for reflective pools, a full planting of the gardens and a memorial board carrying the names of past residents.

The final phase of construction will make a unique link between present residents, most of who are “locals” and the history of the Dorrigo Plateau of which they were part.

The link will include large models of windmills, mail boxes, water tank and other familiar aspects of the district’s farming history.

“When completed the sensory garden will provide a beautiful and reflective retreat area for our residents, their families and visitors, Ms Forsyth said today.

“I wish to acknowledge the enormous contribution of committee member Bill Baggett who has been largely responsible for on-site direction and hands on work.

“Our committee also expresses thanks to members of Dorrigo Men’s Shed who have contributed significantly in the garden’s construction.”

The project will be completed by mid year.