How many of us have sat under the shade of a jacaranda tree and looked up to admire the vibrant purple blooms dancing in the breeze?
For Brisbane residents, the opportunity typically comes around every October and November, and for some, when the flowers pop, they elicit childhood memories and remind us of life moments that helped to shape us.
On the north side of the city, The Prince Charles Hospital proudly stands as a place of care and compassion. The jacarandas are an important part of the history of this Chermside campus and symbolise the legacy of clinicians and researchers who have worked within the buildings on this campus.
Read more about the history of the jacarandas here.
As part of the Foundation’s 40-year milestone, we have established the Jacaranda Circle – recognising the generous individuals who have chosen to leave a gift in their Will to The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.
By making this decision, individuals become part of the Jacaranda Circle, a community connected by a shared commitment to improving health outcomes for future generations.
“The Jacaranda Circle recognises individuals who have chosen to include The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation in their Will, helping to ensure that life-saving research, vital equipment and compassionate patient care continue for future generations,” says Steve Francia, Chief Executive Officer of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.
“Like the jacaranda trees that bloom each year across the hospital grounds, this legacy represents continuity, renewal and hope – a lasting commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community.”
To honour this remarkable group, a special oil painting was commissioned as a keepsake and reminder of the enduring impact of their decision.
A significant piece of art for a significant purpose
Local Brisbane artist Ellie Sweetman says it was a deep honour to have been invited to create this piece for the Foundation’s Jacaranda Circle.
“For decades, the jacaranda trees on the hospital grounds have shaded patients, families and staff. In a place defined by care and recovery, their wide canopies of vibrant blooms create a space to gather and connect. This painting echoes that legacy, encouraging viewers to pause and reflect,” explains Ellie in her artist statement.
“In this work, the jacaranda becomes a marker of time. It reminds us that while seasons change, they always return. And like the generosity of those who give, its impact extends far beyond this present moment in time.”
She also says she found great joy in bringing this stunning artwork to life.
“Jacaranda trees are a big part of the year in Brisbane. I know, when I was going through school, I always knew it was assessment time when the jacarandas were blooming,” she says.
“I had a jacaranda tree in my garden as a child, and I used to climb all the way to the top. I’m sure my parents didn’t like it, but I loved it. I think it’s beautiful and I think a lot of people come to Brisbane specifically to see our beautiful jacarandas.”
Creating ‘Blooming Jacaranda’
Ellie spent many hours over a few weeks, perched in front of her easel, layering oil paint to create this stunning landscape.
“With this particular painting, I want everyone to have a connection to it, but I’m also quite an abstract painter, I like texture and I like brush strokes, so there’s a bit of a balance here of creating something that has wide appeal but also true to my style,” says Ellie.
She explains that the multi-day process requires painting in layers, starting with the darker colours and working to the light ones.
“Oils have a long drying time, which gives me the freedom to work with the wet paint for hours. Painting “wet on wet” is a skill in itself – but I enjoy the unpredictability of brushstrokes that merge together,” she says.
“I love the vibrancy and depth of colour that oil paint offers. I also find that oils tend to dry the same colour as opposed to acrylics, which, in my experience, dry darker and duller.”
Seeking visual inspiration for the piece
In creating the piece to reflect the kindness bestowed upon the foundation, the talented artist was inspired by photographs taken by her uncle.
“I knew the jacaranda trees were important to the Foundation and the hospital, so it was important for me to seek inspiration from a tree that looked inviting and you actually wanted to go and sit underneath,” says Ellie.
“My uncle is a photographer, so I raided his photo file. I merged some images together to create a scene that felt like a place you actually wanted to enter in real life.”
This special piece of artwork is presented with deep gratitude in honour of a decision and the enduring impact it will have for patients, families and clinicians for many years to come.
A personal commitment to the Jacaranda Circle
For some, the decision to leave a gift in their Will comes from a deep understanding of the impact it can have.
Chloe Nguyen, the Foundation’s Chief Communications and Philanthropy Officer, alongside her husband Quyen, have chosen to leave a gift in their Will – becoming part of the Jacaranda Circle.
“Through my role, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how philanthropic support enables research and patient care that would not otherwise be possible,” says Chloe.
“When we recently updated our Wills, we reflected on the kind of legacy we wanted to leave. Alongside firstly providing for our family, we felt it was important to contribute to something that will make a real and lasting impact for others.”
With a young daughter, the decision was grounded in both care and foresight.
“Our priority will always be our family. But we also wanted to leave something that could make a meaningful difference – not only for our daughter, but for generations to come.”
Let’s talk about what matters to you
If you are considering leaving a gift in your Will, we would welcome a confidential conversation about how your support could contribute to future breakthroughs in care and research.
All discussions are guided by your personal circumstances, values and philanthropic goals.
To learn more, please visit this page or contact Lucy Moore, Major Gifts Specialist, at lucy.moore@tpchfoundation.org.au
