Stolen Generations Memorial at Mount Annan Botanic Garden
From the Winter 2006 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
The path to healing, part of the Stolen Generations Memorial at Mount Annan Botanic Garden.Photo by Peter Cuneo
The ‘stolen generations’ issue has been a focus of Aboriginal reconciliation in Australia for many years.
To bring this issue to attention, plans for a Stolen Generations Memorial at Mount Annan Botanic Garden, located in south-west Sydney, were instigated in 2003 as a partnership between Link Up New South Wales, the NSW Stolen Generations Committee and Botanic Gardens Trust.
Located in beautiful natural woodland, visitors will experience the Memorial as a journey of healing and reflection, as they walk through the forest via a series of impressive boardwalks leading to a peaceful meeting place with water and a sculpture space.
Work on the project has progressed steadily in the past few years, and has involved Aboriginal trainees as part of their Certificate III in Land Conservation and Management.
Stage one of the path and boardwalk construction is now complete and provides access to the sculpture space.
The main structural timber for the boardwalk was generously donated through an arrangement with Forests NSW, NSW Forest Products Association and Merbein Sawmills.
The next phase of this significant reconciliation project will be to complete the southern section of the boardwalk and the sculptural centrepiece to be created by renowned Aboriginal artist, Badger Bates.
Manager, Natural Heritage, Mount Annan Botanic Garden
