garden party

The late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s passion for gardening is well known, so it’s fitting that garden parties are being held across Australia to help support another cause that was dear to her heart: child health.

Dame Elizabeth’s grandson, Lachlan, and his wife Sarah are among those supporting the fundraising efforts, hosting an intimate garden part at their home in Sydney recently.

Launched to continue the philanthropic work she did, the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Rose Mother’s Day Appeal raises funds for the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, the largest child health research institute in Australia. Dame Elizabeth’s support was crucial to the establishment of the institute almost 30 years ago, and she continued to be a generous supporter and patron of the institute until her passing in 2012.

Today the institute supports more than 1500 researchers, working on a broad range of infant, child and adolescent health issues. 

Guests at Sarah and Lachlan Murdoch’s event included former Governor of New South Wales Marie Bashir; garden designer Paul Bangay; designer Collette Dinnigan; and television host Lisa Wilkinson, who acted as master of ceremonies. 

Sarah Murdoch with Dame Marie Bashir and Lisa Wilkinson

Although this event was linked to Mother’s Day, as the fundraising website says “anytime is a good time for a Garden Party to support child health research”. You can find out more about making a donation, or hosting your own party to support the institute here. 

And for some inspiration for a garden party, take a look at homelife.com.au’s new gallery of 16 enchanting garden parties which includes this lovely decorating idea from Style Me Pretty.