A Boat Harbour reserve built up to offer the community a natural space for solitude and reflection has a new addition – a labyrinth.
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Iluka Reserve, which is home to Solace Place, an initiative by the Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network, now has a labyrinth marked out on the grass for members of the community to walk.
Work is underway to submit an application to Port Stephens Council to make the labyrinth a permanent fixture in the reserve.
“The concept was brought up at a meeting and went from there,” prevention network member Dave Sams said.
“We put a group of people who are interested in labyrinths and have built a few together and marked it out.
“It’s a community thing, done for locals and the people who need it.
“It ties in with the walks [around Boat Harbour] and Solace Place.”
The Iluka Reserve labyrinth, which was marked out in paint on the grass at the end of June, is in the classical style of Chartres Cathedral.
The French cathedral’s labyrinth, arguably one of the most famous in Europe, is set into the floor and measures about 13 meters in diameter.
There are many styles and sizes of labyrinth but it was the Chartres Cathedral style the network group decided on.
The grass mark out is the first stage in a proposal to permanently install a durable, safe and hard surfaced labyrinth in the Boat Harbour reserve.
A labyrinth is not a maze, and has proven therapeutic benefits.
Elizabeth Schiemer, the former secretary of Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network and chair of the newly formed Community Drug Action Team, researched labyrinths for the network before one was established at Boat Harbour.
She even consulted Emily Simpson, the woman behind the installation of the sandstone labyrinth in Sydney’s Centennial Park.
“The labyrinth offers a safe refuge to navigate the emotional world of grieving,” Ms Schiemer said.
“There is a beginning, middle and an end to the labyrinth walk, helping us to contain the often overwhelming nature of grief.
“A labyrinth walk is a right brain exercise, which can activate the intuitive, imaginative and creative side of your brain with a mentally calming and meditative effect.
“The circuitous labyrinth path offers hope and healing to all who enter.”
Mr Sams said the labyrinth is a community project. Anyone interested in getting involved can do so by contacting Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
