by Carla Caruso

A commemorative public artwork, dedicated to those affected by domestic violence, is one step closer to being created in your Adelaide Park Lands.

The “Place of Courage” project is backed by the non-profit Spirit of Woman organisation. It’s had a preferred Park Lands site earmarked by the City of Adelaide.

At its meeting on July 13, 2021, the Council approved the organisation’s suggested location of Bonython Park/Tulya Wardli (Park 27), next to the model boat pond – “subject to full site investigation”.

The Council also approved $5,000 to engage an artist or landscape team to develop a concept design.

The project is the inspiration of Spirit of Woman founder Helen Oxenham OAM, 91, who established one of SA’s first women’s shelters at Christies Beach.

While there are over 1,400 monuments to war, there is no monument or memorial dedicated to the victims of “this domestic war”, according to Helen.

“My father beat us, and like so many women, I have lived with the scars of domestic violence my whole life,” Helen said.

“I always wanted a refuge from the world, where I could heal my trauma. It would be a place where I could come to terms with what had happened, a place where I could meet others who are on their healing journey, and a public place that would make a statement to the world that domestic violence is not okay. 

“And so, I took it upon myself, when I was in my mid-80s, to start campaigning for this place. Now I’m 91 and time is of the essence. That’s why every win, every step closer, every success is so monumental for me.

“I want to see The Place of Courage come to fruition before my time is up. But this project is not about me – I’m doing this for all my sisters in arms. For if my sisters aren’t free, neither am I.”

The City of Adelaide has committed $100,000 towards the project, which has been matched by the State Government, according to the Spirit of Woman. The organisation aims to raise another $250,000 for the cause.

Their efforts have included working with various councils to install mini “Place of Courage” sites, called Ripples, around the state. The profit from these will also be used to fund the flagship site in the city. (For those wanting to donate or help out, you can email helen@spiritofwoman.com.au.)

The Bonython Park artwork will incorporate planting of the Catherine House Rose, a symbol of the SA organisation providing women’s crisis accommodation.

Spirit of Woman board member Jeanette Stott, who’s also a regional manager at Relationships Australia, said the Park Lands site was ideal. “Bonython Park is a gathering space where lots of community events take place. It has parking, access to public transport, and is maintained regularly. The Place of Courage will add to the community spirit at Bonython Park.”

Fellow board member Zita Ngor, who’s also the CEO of Women’s Legal Service (SA), said it’ll provide a “circuit breaker”. “[It’ll] create an inclusive place that welcomes diversity, enables gatherings and participatory activities, and encourages people to connect positively around the issue – ‘I am not alone. It’s not all my fault. Break the shame.’”

Supporters of the organisation include domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty AO, former Senator Natasha Stott Despoja AM, and football identity Gavin Wanganeen.