INVERELL Shire Council on Wednesday proudly unveiled the new Reflection Garden in Victoria Park.

Reflection Garden is a tranquil and supportive space dedicated to honouring the lives of babies and children lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal or childhood death and to acknowledge those who continue to long for parenthood.

The idea for the garden was first brought to Council in July, 2019 by local infant loss support group members Leanne Stoken and Emily Pianko, whose vision was to create a gentle place for remembrance, healing and connection.

Emily Pianko shared a heartfelt message during the ceremony.

“Today we remember those born sleeping, those we carried but never met, those we held but couldn’t take home, those we took home but who couldn’t stay, and those for whom we are still waiting.”

(from left) Inverell mayor Kate Dight, Cr Paul King, Leanne Stoken, Cr Kelvin Brown, Cr Jacko Ross, Inverell Shire Council general manager Brett McInnes, Emily Pianko, Cr Fiona Brown and Cr Greg Kachel.

Mayor Kate Dight, Inverell Shire Council general manager Brett McInnes and councillors Paul King, Kelvin Brown, Jacko Ross, Fiona Brown and Greg Kachel joined support group members Leanne Stoken and Emily Pianko to officially open the garden and unveil a commemorative plaque.

“This Remembrance Garden is a place for gentle reflection and to honour the lives of our little ones . . . may this garden help bring us together and provide comfort and support,” the plaque reads.

Cr Dight praised the community’s compassion and generosity in bringing the project to life.

“This garden is a testament to the strength and unity of our community,” Cr Dight said.

“It offers a peaceful sanctuary for reflection and remembrance, and I commend everyone who contributed their time, skills, and heart to make this vision a reality.”

The garden features concrete infinity pathways and olive trees, symbols of friendship, healing and peace.

Victoria Park was chosen for its cultural significance and accessibility, ensuring the space is welcoming to all.

The Reflection Garden was made possible thanks to the generosity of numerous local tradespeople and businesses who donated labour, materials, and designs, including Hines Construction, Doug Higgins, Dwayne Single, Dylan Arrowsmith, Boss Engineering, Sapphire City Engineering, Inverell Home Hardware, Inverell Ready Mix Concrete, Boral Concrete, House to Home, Tim Russell, a financial contribution from Inverell Macintyre Lions and Inverell Shire Council staff.

Inverell Shire Council extends its deepest gratitude to all involved and invites the community to visit the Reflection Garden, a place of peace, remembrance, and hope.