Campbelltown’s first community labyrinth takes shape
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In a first for the Macarthur area, a community labyrinth has opened in Campbelltown’s Hurley Park to create a unique tourist attraction and walking space where people can meet, enjoy peaceful reflection and escape from the pressures of daily life.
Campbelltown’s community labyrinth is made from brick in a classical seven circuit Cretan design, a variation of the designs seen across Europe and Scandinavia.
Unlike a maze which is more of a puzzle, labyrinths are built without walls and flat on the ground and feature a pathway to the centre and back for quiet reflection and to exercise the right side of the brain.
The idea for a labyrinth was brought to council by local resident Susanne Jones in 2016 and is a joint project between the community, Council and the State Government.
“The labyrinth is a non-denominational space which is available and inclusive to all and people of all faiths and cultures will be welcome to walk it,’’ said Mayor George Brticevic.
“This is an example of where a member of the community can come to Council with a great idea and we’ll support them to help make the project a reality,’’ Cr Brticevic said.
With the nearest public labyrinths located at Sydney’s Centennial Parklands and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the Campbelltown Community Labyrinth is expected to become a tourist attraction which will benefit the local economy by bringing visitors to the region.
It has a 14m diameter and features more than 270 ceramic tiles around its perimeter.
The tiles were made by community members between the ages of three and 96 at a series of community workshops at Campbelltown Arts Centre, Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, The Meditation Space and Bar Centrale.
The final design has a larger centre to allow people to gather and contemplate together and includes seating for people to relax, tree for shade and information sign giving a brief explanation of how to use the labyrinth.
Campbelltown MP Greg Warren said he was pleased to have helped get the project off the ground.
“I’m pleased to have been able to help secure funds for this project.
“We all lead busy lives so we all need to make sure we find some time to relax and unwind – and the labyrinth is the perfect place for that.”
The community labyrinth cost $34,000 with $5,000 from community fundraising organised by Ms Jones and $5,000 from Campbelltown State Labor MP Greg Warren, through the NSW Government’s Department of Family and Community Services Community Building Partnership Program and the remaining funds from Council.