Sparking mindful conversation in Victoria Park

Published on 08 July 2020

Victoria Park will be home to a new mindfulness garden in the coming months, following lobbying by Goulburn Mulwaree Youth Council, and Mayor Bob Kirk.   

The area will incorporate a conversation pit, and a garden where youth and other community members can relax, chat and enjoy the surrounds of Victoria Park. It is recommended to be located on the south western side of the Rose Garden within the park.

$55,000 has been allocated towards the project by Council, with a further $15,000 one off grant from the NSW Government following the support of Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman, and Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women the Hon Bronnie Taylor.

Youth Mayor Charlotte Hargan said the project will be a significant step towards breaking down stigma around mental health in our community.

“The project will provide a safe and welcoming space for anyone to discuss issues affecting them and provide an environment where we can reflect and build mindfulness. We believe this will greatly benefit the youth of Goulburn and others in our community.”

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman welcomed the investment from the state government.

“I love the initiative from our youth council and their desire to give back to the community. The mindfulness garden will be a wonderful asset for Goulburn’s Health and Wellbeing precinct – it’s even better that the project is youth driven.

“Thanks to Minister Taylor for accepting my invitation to visit Goulburn, and for her time spent hearing the Goulburn Mulwaree Youth Council’s thoughts.”

Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor commended the Goulburn Mulwaree Youth Council for helping to get the project off the ground.

“It’s fantastic to see these young leaders stepping up to find innovative ways to improve the health and wellbeing of their peers”, she said.

“This garden will be a beautiful place where young people from all walks of life can get away from their day-to-day stresses and spend some time on themselves.”

Work will get underway on the space in the second half of 2020, with concept designs being completed in July.