Types of uses

The site has been designed with a range of uses and users in mind:

Simple and informal: individuals or small groups can plan a visit or just drop by when they are in the area, taking a little time out of their day to sit in the secluded alcoves provided, to walk along the contemplation paths, to talk quietly and to reflect – on the loss of a loved one or other challenging events in their life, past or present. People visiting family members or friends in the hospitals nearby, or those dealing with their own recent diagnosis of illness, may also find comfort in the Place of Reflection. No bookings are required for this sort of use.
Organised: the covered, powered Marlee Pavilion can host small family and group events that require a degree of organisation, such as post-funeral memorials and commemorative events, gatherings by loss and healing support groups, and events to mark Missing Persons Week, Mental Health Week, Refugee Week, National Sorry Day, White Ribbon Day and a range of other public events. (Please note, however, that the conditions of use of Kings Park prevent funerals being held at the Place of Reflection.) You can find booking details here and information on organising your event here. Suggestions for how organisations might use the site are also available here.
Professional: the therapeutic benefits of nature can be drawn on to hold one-on-one or small group counselling sessions or mentoring sessions. The walking paths and the secluded seating niches both lend themselves to this type of use. (See ‘Using the features of the site’ for further information.) No bookings are required if these meetings take place outside the Marlee Pavilion.

"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