Canberra, ACT
Australia
National Arboretum, Forrest Drive Canberra AIDS Garden of Reflection since 2 April 2017
without names
AIDS Garden of Reflection opens at the National Arboretum Canberra
After living with HIV for 31 years Kenn Basham will finally have a permanent place that he can visit to remember and pay tribute to countless friends who have lost their lives to AIDS. Located at the National Arboretum Canberra, the 500 square metre AIDS Garden of Reflection is part of a series of seven connected gardens near the visitors centre. Mr Basham believes the Garden of Reflection serves as a physical reminder that HIV and AIDS still affect the community. "Everyone has to realise they are affected, it is a community thing. HIV is always going to be with us, but it is up to us to live the best life we can with it, whether it's infected, or affected," he said.
Moving on from his activism days, Mr Basham now volunteers at the National Arboretum, where the new AIDS Garden of Reflection opens on Sunday. The art of bonsai is one of his passions, and as a distraction from his ill health he volunteers at the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection.
The AIDS Action Council raised $170,000 to build the garden. Executive director Philippa Moss said the organisation was trying to raise further funds to include a piece of art in it at a later stage. The AIDS Garden of Reflection is one of four gardens opening at the Arboretum as part of the Gallery of Gardens.
Photo (c) Jamila Toderas The Sydney Morning Herald

1 April 2017
Jamila Toderas, Canberra