A striking new sculpture has been permanently installed at Boonah Hospital, marking a lasting tribute to the generosity of the local community.
The Boonah Hospital Sunflower Sphere is a fundraising initiative delivered through a partnership between West Moreton Health Foundation and Kalbar Sunflowers, supporting upgrades to the hospital's outdoor spaces for patients, families and staff.
The sphere, engraved with names representing stories and tributes from community members across the Scenic Rim and beyond, was officially unveiled at a recent community gathering. It has capacity for 210 individually sponsored sunflowers, with sponsorship still open to the community.
The sculpture was designed and handcrafted by local artists Wendy and Rob Badke, and was previously showcased at the 2026 Kalbar Sunflower Festival ahead of its installation at Boonah Hospital.
Production and engraving costs for the sculpture were generously covered by Kalbar Sunflowers, Snap Fitness Redbank Plains and Scenic Rim Trophies Boonah, meaning every donation goes directly towards hospital garden upgrades.
The unveiling brought the community together to celebrate the sculpture's arrival, with supporters sharing stories, and a few tears, in honour of the loved ones named on the sphere.
West Moreton Health Foundation Chief Executive Officer Scott Young said he was moved by the personal stories shared at the unveiling.
Kalbar Sunflowers' Jenny Jenner, who credits the idea to local artist Wendy Badke, said the sphere gave the festival's fundraising a lasting legacy beyond the paddock.
“Sunflowers have become such an important symbol of what we do through Kalbar Sunflowers — bringing people together while raising funds for projects that make a real difference in our local hospitals and communities. This sphere takes that fundraising beyond the festival and creates something lasting at Boonah Hospital. I’m incredibly proud that our sunflowers can continue to leave a legacy long after the flowers in the paddock have finished blooming.”
Boonah Hospital Director of Nursing Amanda Banks said the sphere would provide a welcoming space for patients, families and staff for years to come.
"Outdoor spaces like this make a real difference to the people we care for at our hospital. It's a place for quiet reflection, and a beautiful reminder of the support this community shows us every day."
Sponsorship of the Boonah Hospital Sunflower Sphere remains open, with more names being added to the sphere as members of the community sponsor a sunflower in honour of a loved one.
