Reflection Bench

Updates

October 25th, 2023: The bench is almost finished! The couch was constructed and the mosaic laid - awaiting finishing touches.

From Kristin: The attached photo does not show the wonderful Jan applying adhesive to the back of the sofa panel, the strong guys from The Barossa Council and all the community people who called in and supported us!

(August) A group of dedicated people have been working under the guidance of Mosaic Artist Kristin Wohlers to bring life the design worked out in the early stages. This design incorporates flora and fauna from the area, and will include a rainbow indicating that all are welcome. The base has been laid by John Bowd, Michael Black and Peter Wilde, and the construction will begin on Monday the 23rd October.

(end July 2023) A Free Mosaic Workshop will be held in Recreate on 26th July. Artist Kristin Wohlers will run this, and there will be weekly workshops until completion. All welcome.

(end June 2023) After Barossa Council gave permission for a Reflection Bench to be constructed and installed in Old Talunga Park, a meeting was held in the Wisteria Atrium during April, 2023, where preliminary designs were submitted.

(end July, 2022) Recently, a letter from Barossa Council was sent to the Seeds of Hope suggesting that an existing bench be re-purposed.

The Barossa Council has been reluctant to grant permission for the construction to take place - unlike many councils in the state which have been extremely supportive of the whole ‘reflection bench’ concept. (see link to the Adelaide Hills Council brochure below) TBC has called for an engineer’s report.

A letter was sent out to as many clubs and organisations that we knew of within the district, with the aim of garnering as much community participation as possible.

The Mount Pleasant Community Association Inc. were recently asked for a letter of support for a project that Seeds of Hope : Suicide Prevention Network were seeking as part of the Black Dog Ride Australia grant funding to create a Reflection Bench Project in the Barossa region. This successful venture is now in the planning stage.

Whilst mental well-being is not a new concept, we are much more aware of the importance, especially during the lockdowns we have endured due to Covid-19 restrictions and more recently the developments in Afghanistan. There are times when we ALL need a chance to reflect and appreciate what we have on our doorstep and this project is a chance for the community to come together and share our thoughts.

We are encouraging all groups within the Mount Pleasant township and surrounding area to come on board with us, and be involved. We would like you to indicate your willingness to join us, so that we can contact you once the initial meeting is organised to create the plan.

The Community Association is keen to see a Reflection Bench become a part of Old Talunga Park, adjacent to the tennis/netball courts, with a view to further landscaping in the area. We believe this area is quiet and allows reflection in its present state, but the lack of landscaping and seating is not conducive to the purpose. We also see this as a chance to further beautify the Garden of Tribute next to the Hall, and create a beautiful, useful space.

Please give your contact details by email – mpca.inc@gmail.com or by phone to Paula Bartsch on phone 08 8568 2126 or Sue Barrett 0403 012 339.

We look forward to your support and participation.