Colebrook Reconciliation Park

Driving west from Blackwood on Shepherds Hill Road you travel past Wittunga Gardens, Blackwood Primary and High Schools, Karinya Reserve with its playground, a Skate Park and football oval then you can’t help but notice a brightly painted low wall. The wall marks the beginning of Colebrook Reconciliation Park the site of Colebrook Home for 28 years.

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View from Shepherds Hill Road.

Something to think about

Colebrook Home -photo courtesy of Ruth Sabine

Colebrook Home painted on the wall.

The children who lived there had mostly been forcibly taken from their families and the statue of the grieving mother captures the desolation felt superbly. South Australian sculptor, Silvio Apponyi, created the wonderful works.

The grieving mother.

The Coolamon represents the child taken and the water their tears.

Detail from The Fountain of Tears

Celebrations are held at the Park every year during Naidoc Week and at other times.

The fire pit in the centre of the meeting circle.

I wonder if the children were allowed to play here.

On the western boundary is the reclaimed Eden Hills Rubbish Dump

On the southern boundary a passenger train heading towards the city.

Evidence of kids’ play

Carved rock

Paths head off in many different directions, it’s a lovely place to walk and enjoy the natural environment.

New plantings of native shrubs and grasses

Carpet of dropped Gum blossom – thanks birds.

Gum blossom

Eastern Rosella

Argumentative Red Wattlebird

Wattle

Sundew, an insectivorous plant

Sundew flowers