Place of Reflection

The Place of Reflection is a high-profile memorial located in the city’s east end at Rymill Park/Murlawirrapurka (Park 14). A collaboration between Aboriginal artist Yvonne Koolmatrie and South Australian designer Karl Meyer of Exhibition Studios, the memorial promotes healing for members of the Stolen Generations, their families, friends and the wider community. It is a dedicated place to meet, support, reflect and connect.

WAX Design worked with the project team to create a space that provides opportunities for the wider community to engage and grow an understanding of the past and present experiences and stories of the Stolen Generations.

A bronze sculpture is at the centre of the space, created by renowned Ngarrindjeri weaver Aunty Yvonne Koolmatrie and Karl Meyer. It expresses a life-size mother figure with arms held out as if nurturing a missing child. The low seating suggests being close to the earth, while the landscape design includes native reeds, shrubs and rushes, connecting to culture and rejuvenation. At the centre of the site is a steel Coolamon on a circular black granite boulder to be used for fire, smoking and ceremonial events.