Japanese Garden founder awarded posthumous Order of Australia medal

The wife of Dr Adrian Allen, founder of the Japanese Gardens, accepted his posthumous Order of Australia Medal in an emotional ceremony on Thursday.

The wife of a man who was a driving force in the construction of a much-loved Toowoomba garden says her late husband always believed the landmark drew life from the community that helped it flourish.

Patricia Allen was at Government House in Brisbane on Thursday to receive a posthumous Order of Australia Medal on behalf of her husband, Dr Adrian Allen.

She was grateful for undying community support of her husband Dr Adrian Allen, who helped establish the Ju Raku En Japanese Gardens.

Mrs Allen described the ceremony as “very emotional” and said his absence was felt by herself, her two daughters and two grandchildren who were in attendance.

Patricia Allen accepted her late husband's posthumous Order of Australia Medal.

“It was a wonderful tribute not just for him but the people from Toowoomba,” she said. “He always felt it was the community that built that garden even though it was his idea and he was the driving force so it was really an award on their behalf, for sure.”

Dr Allen rallied, fundraised and fought for the gardens to be built as a sanctuary for Toowoomba residents and visitors.

Mrs Allen said the gardens were the perfect legacy for her late husband, who worked tirelessly to see the garden built.

“I just think it’s fantastic,” she said.

“It was ten long hard years so I’m glad there’s something really good there.”

Mrs Allen said her husband would have been thrilled albeit relieved his wife accepted the award on his behalf.

“He was probably really glad I was there to accept it because he hated putting on the suit,” she laughed.

“He would have been very proud.”