For more than 60 years Jack and Cliffina Rathborne cherished the Sydney Garden. The Gardens were the backdrop as their lives passed by, from the blissful time of their blossoming courtship, to their final peaceful days of Jack’s life.
Cliffina’s last wishes included ‘a suitable gift to the memory of her late husband and in recognition of the enjoyment which the Gardens gave the both of them’. With the Rathborne’s generosity the historic sandstone cottage, now named in their honour, was able to be restored to its current glory.
By leaving a gift without constraints, the Sydney Garden was able to allocate the Rathborne bequest towards a project which most resonated the couple’s interests and connection.