The official opening of the centre took place on Wednesday with a number of religious leaders conducting ceremonial rituals for the event.

Ballarat Heath Services pastoral and spiritual care co-ordinator Jo Niedra said the facility had already been in use before the official opening and she had seen a large number of people taking advantage of it. 

“We felt, because Ballarat is becoming much more multicultural and you have so many people of different faiths, it is important for us to respect everyone’s faith – or if they have no faith – just to have somewhere where they can come in and find that peace and quiet,” she said. 

A special aspect of the centre is the Sister Paula Fleming Reflective Garden.

Ballarat Health Services chief executive Andrew Rowe said the garden was named for Sister Paula, who was the hospital’s Catholic chaplain for 20 years. 

Mr Rowe said Sister Paula had made herself available 24-hours a day for patients and staff.

“She is an amazing person, she was very selfless and she gave a great amount to this organisation,” he said. 

“She didn’t worry about a person’s religion background or belief, but she was always there during someone’s time of need.

“She provided massive support to patients and families but also to staff.”