Goulburn mindful of the need to care for its young

Goulburn’s new mindfulness garden offers a quiet, tranquil space in the city’s Victoria Park. Photo: Supplied.

At a time of turmoil everywhere, a tranquil space for mindfulness has just sprouted – in the centre of Goulburn.

An initiative of the Goulburn-Mulwaree Youth Council, the mindfulness garden has opened in the city’s Victoria Park, complete with a conversation pit and a garden area where people of all ages can relax, talk or just experience the tranquillity.

Youth Mayor Charlotte Hargan said the project was a significant step towards breaking down the stigma attached to mental health issues in the community.

“It is fantastic to see the garden finally finished and ready to use,” she said.

“It is truly a credit to all involved and is reflective of council’s commitment to support youth projects.

“I hope that, in such a time of turmoil in our world, the garden offers a quiet place of reflection and an opportunity to seek support for all members of the community.”

A total of $55,000 has been allocated to the garden by the Goulburn-Mulwaree Council, with a further one-off $15,000 grant from the NSW Government following the support of the Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman, and Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women, Bronnie Tyler.

Ms Tuckerman said she was impressed by the initiative taken by the youth council to give back to the community.

People can sit, relax and enjoy the beauty that is Victoria Park from the new mindfulness garden. Photo: Supplied.

“The mindfulness garden will be a wonderful asset for Goulburn’s health and well-being 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.”

Ms Taylor congratulated the young council members for getting the project off the ground.

“It’s fantastic to see these young leaders stepping up to find innovative ways to help the health and well-being 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.”

The new mindfulness garden is located in the rose gardens on the south-western side within Victoria Park, near Deccan Street.