Sydney, NSW
Australia
3/9 Barwon Park Road, St. Peters Sydney Park AIDS Memorial Groves since 15 May 1994
1200 names
SPAIDS Memorial
Artist: Simon Shaw
In 1994, South Sydney City Council began collaborating with the Sydney Park AIDS Memorial Group (SPAIDS) to plant a grove of Australian Native trees in Sydney Park, St Peters, as a permanent memorial to people lost to AIDS. The grove now numbers several thousand trees, planted in a series of public plantings by members of the local and LBTGQIA communities. It provides a contemplative place of respect and remembrance, where people can go to grieve for lost loved ones, or simply sit relax in the peace and tranquillity of the park.

In 1999 a dedicated reflection space was created within the park, as a focal point and gathering place for memorial and community events. In the centre of an area landscaped with paving, seating and formal planting stands the SPAIDS memorial, a simple, symbolic marker and passive lookout area. The sandstone memorial stands within this calm open space, partially surrounded by a low seating wall made from recycled bricks rescued from old kilns.

The memorial grove and SPAIDS memorial are well recognised by members of the LBTGQIA community as a place of reflection, remembrance and beauty.

Photo © City of Sydney City Art Sydney

27 May 2001
City of Sydney, Sydney