AIDS Memorial Garden Fairfield - Reflections & Walk

Remember Fairfield Hospital - as we acknowledge its closure 30th years ago and the AIDS Memorial Garden this World AIDS Day.

Join us for a ceremony in the former hospital Chapel and walk of the AIDS Memorial Garden. We will delve into the history of the Fairfield Hospital, The Infectious Diseases Ward with stories from community elders who worked in the hospital and supported patients.  

Originally established by Thorne Harbour Health volunteers over 30 years ago, the AIDS Memorial Garden remains a treasured resource and place of quiet reflection. The Garden is located on the grounds of the old Fairfield Hospital which was responsible for the care of the majority of HIV/AIDS patients in Victoria.

Fairfield Hospital was originally opened in 1904. Diseases treated included typhoid, cholera, scarlet fever along with HIV/AIDS in its final years. Despite plans for the hospital's closure in the early 1990s, an unprecedented community campaign kept the hospital open. By the time it closed in 1996 it was the last specific infectious diseases hospital in Australia.

In 2004, after the site was acquired by Melbourne Polytechnic Fairfield (previously NMIT), the Garden was transformed into a valuable learning space for Horticulture and Landscape students. Interest in the old hospital grounds was rekindled in recent years with the release of the 2015 movie Holding The Man. This ceremony and walk provided a unique opportunity to remember the incredible work of health professionals who worked in the hospital which closed 30 years ago and remember those who died of AIDS , many of whom chose to have their ashes laid to rest in the AIDS Memorial Garden.

Event starts at 5.30pm with a drinks reception and BBQ before proceedings start at 6.00pm.

Parking is available at Building E/Yarra House on the campus and on Yarra Boulevard.

Accessible parking is available outside the Chapel , please email events@thorneharbour.org to book accessible parking.

Access to garden is an uneven route which can be difficult for those with access needs.

This event is organised by Thorne Harbour Health in collaboration with Melbourne Polytechnic University, City of Yarra, Rainbow Yarra and Yarra Libraries.