Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Labyrinth (Heidelberg Heights)

A truly wonderful labyrinth with beautiful stone paths. The labyrinth is in memory of Jessie Mary Vasey 1897-1966, the founder of the War Widows Guild of Australia.

The Jessie Mary Vasey labyrinth is based on a traditional seven ring design and this labyrinth invites you to walk 480 metres. Like all labyrinths it is intended to be spiritually uplifting.

The seven mosaic inlaid seats surrounding the labyrinth depict the Indigenous seasons of Melbourne. They were created from information provided by Wurundjeri elder Joy Murphy. Made by students from Alphington Primary School the seats are intended to provide places of contemplation and rest. The labyrinth has been designed and built by artist Simon Normand.

Balagang and butterflies in Buath Garru Season
November to December


The sun is warmer now and the days are longer. Millarks (butterflies) can be seen around the Buath Garru (flowering grasses.). At sunset Balagang (bats) are hunting for insects.

Dhulin the Goanna in Gunyang Season
December


Dhulin (the tree goanna) is looking for food 46d getting fat. This is Gunyang (kangaroo apple) season. They are good to eat when ripe, otherwise they are poisonous.

Bunjil the eagle in Biderap Season
January to February


Biderap is the hot dry season. The Bowat (tussock grass) is long and galaxia fish are travelling along the Yarra. Ngarrets (growling grass frogs) can be heard. It is breeding season for Bunjil the sacred Wedge-Tailed Eagle.

Kaan the tiger snake and Woorike in Luk Season
March


Away from the flowering Woorike (banksias) Kaan the tiger snake is laying its eggs in open ground. This is Luk (eel) season and they can be caught with fish traps in the rivers and billabongs.

Bulin-Bulin the lyrebird and Bombadik in Warin Season
April to June


In the deep forest amongst the edible Bombadik (soft tree ferns) you may be lucky to spot Bulin-Bulin the lyrebird. It is cooler now in Warin (wombat) season as they venture from their burrows to sun themselves.

A Currawong in the Muyan in Guling Season
July to August


In the very cold season, Guling (orchids) are in flower and the Muyan (silver wattle) remind us that life can begin again. Amongst the golden flowers the pied currawongs are singing.

Sacred Kingfishers and Lillies in Porneet Season
September to October


This is a time to have ceremony for the return of the migrating sacred kingfisher. When the flax lillies are fruiting you know the Porneet (tadpoles) art everywhere in the swamps and creeks.

Leading to the labyrinth a panoramic mural created by artist Lisa Foley further explores the relationship between Melbourne's' seasons, its plants and animals, and the metaphysical world.





Ringed by local trees, flowering plants and grasses, the site aims to be a lasting place of sanctuary.

The labyrinth is located near the corner of Banksia Street and Waterdale Road.

Photos:

Location

190 Banksia Street,  Heidelberg Heights 3079 Map

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Web Links

→ A healing hospital labyrinth


Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Labyrinth (Heidelberg Heights)190 Banksia Street,, Heidelberg Heights, Victoria, 3079