The need

The Place of Reflection recognises the extent of loss and grief experienced by so many in our community, each form of loss bringing its own pain. For some, that loss is especially poignant and challenging, for example:

the immeasurable, continuous pain and sorrow following the death of a child
for missing persons, the heavy burden of not knowing what has happened to a loved one, with no opportunity for ceremony, closure or even goodbye
the trauma of those who come here as refugees, leaving behind loved ones
the grief of Aboriginal communities, especially those hurt by the loss of traditional healing places

In offering a protected place in nature where all cultural and religious perspectives are welcomed, the Place of Reflection provides an important new healing space for Western Australia’s diverse and growing population. The site offers solace not only to those who have lost a loved one, but those experiencing loss in many different forms: the loss of physical or mental health, the loss of cultural identity or the significant breakdown of family relationships, among many scenarios.

Links to advice and support

Counselling support is available within the community to assist people experiencing grief and loss and there are a number of support groups that connect people experiencing loss in its different forms. For those in need of immediate advice and support, a number of organisations offer a 24-hour helpline that may be of use:

SIDS and Kids Child Loss Support Line (Western Australia): 1800 686 780
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Salvo Care Line: 1300 36 36 22
Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800
Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
Veterans Line: 1800 011 046

The Compassionate Friends also offers support and counselling services: (08) 9486 8711.

"I sat on the seat with my husband and cried, letting myself acknowledge long-held grief. I felt engulfed by warmth, held and protected…"

A daughter remembering her parents

"The Place of Reflection is unique… The view from its location on the scarp of Kings Park is simply magnificent, and the design of the place itself blends beautifully with the natural bush surroundings… What a lovely, peaceful place to go to remember a loved one."

Tuart Place staff member

"A place of peace, calmness, beauty, tranquillity and freedom - I felt like I was in a space where I didn’t have to think about anything. I could reflect or meditate or just enjoy."

Perth Home Care Services staff member

"My friend and I come here together. We sit on the bench, two widows sharing our memories of our partners."

Place of Reflection visitor

"The discreet location amongst nature with such a superb outlook enables individuals and groups to reflect and heal without judgement."

King Edward Memorial Hospital, Grief & Loss Council member

"We really appreciate the sense of peace and serenity that settles on us when we are there."

Adoption Jigsaw staff member

"We can share this place with those needing a quiet time, somewhere to sit quietly or grieve... a place with nature, somewhere they might find peace, calmness, even closure."

Mareena Purslowe & Associates staff member

"We can share this 'A place of complete peace to just reflect and let your worries in the world go. And a place to reflect on the loved ones lost in your life and to honour them.' With those needing a quiet time, somewhere to sit quietly or grieve... a place with nature, somewhere they might find peace, calmness, even closure."

Anglicare staff member

"We really could not have had a more ambient or beautiful setting."

Cystic Fibrosis WA staff member

"The Place of Reflection is an important place to myself and my family. We are able bring our sadness to this place and turn it into a reflection that deepens our lives and our compassion for all those who suffer loss."

Soroptimists International member

"It is a lovely place for thought, meditation and comfort in nature, a place to find peace in the chaos of life."

Place of Reflection visitor

"I really like the words on the path as well as the words on the bench. If you have come through a time of grieving, you do at times feel very alone – particularly if you have experienced the loss of a life partner. The words on the bench ‘You are not alone’ were particularly meaningful to me."

Place of Reflection visitor

"A beautiful, peaceful place for people experiencing grief and loss to spend some quiet time, remembering and healing."

Place of Reflection visitor

healing
through
nature