A DEDICATED place for peace and reflection will be unveiled at the Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network's annual remembrance walk next month.
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The network's Walk With Us event encourages people affected by suicide to remember their loved one, honour their own survival and be with people in a similar situation and bearing the same burden.
Walk With Us will be held in a new location in Boat Harbour this year, at Iluka Reserve, where the network has established a path, gardens, bench and artwork for people to go for solace.
The space was the idea of network member Dave Sams, who wanted to create a place of reflection.
"A few of us have lost people over the years and there has never really been a place where we can just go, sit, think and reflect," he said.
"This space is nice, quiet and relaxing, a place you can remember peacefully."
The space of reflection was made possible with help from various community groups wanting to see the idea become a reality.
The path, landscaping, seat and the artwork were designed by Port artist Rick Pettit.
They were created and built by the network with help from Port Stephens Council, Rotary, Boat Harbour 355 Parks and Reserves Committee and residents, Salamander Bay Recycling Centre, Anna Bay Paint, ProFencing and Boral.
"Improvements to the reserve will continue with help from a team of students from Tomaree High School under the auspices of other supportive programs," the network's Elizabeth Schiemer said.
Walk With Us will start at 10am on Saturday, September 6.
A memorial wall where photos, poems and mementoes can be shared will be set up.
Afterwards, a barbecue is on offer and a live band will play.
Iluka Reserve is located off Kingsley Drive at Boat Harbour.
