These recycled bricks are made from the earth and drawn from the breadth of our land, forming a rich and undulating tapestry. Each brick is symbolic of the many people affected by institutional child sexual abuse across our country. The vast collective of peoples’ lives and their many stories come together, over time, to form a whole solid form, a new topographical landscape. From this landscape, native flora grows and thrives, creating a place that brings hope. Moving closer, the intricate weave of irregular bricks and openings are revealed, a rippling tectonic mass, highlighting the diversity of those hurt. 

From the street edge to the banks of Lake Burley Griffin, people move through a sense of enclosure to sense of openness, before exiting through an open woodland glade. As the form of the wall shapes the visitor’s journey, mirrored bricks and gaps in the wall begin to articulate the rippling surface, creating reflections of the visitors amongst glimpses of the garden behind and inviting visitors to reflect on themselves and their surroundings. 

A community healing garden at the centre of the project is framed by the path and enclosed by Golden Wattle trees, the national emblem of unity and resilience. Here, visitors feel safe and supported, tranquil amongst a native garden. This proposal is a collaboration between McGregor + Coxall and Studio Chris Fox.