September 2009

Walking, cycling trail helps bypass the blues

Melbourne’s newest walking and cycling path along the new Deer Park Bypass features 30 colourful mosaics created by patients recovering from mental illness.

Reflecting the significance of the mosaics, the path has been named the Wellness Trail.

The one metre square mosaics feature images and messages from the artists to users of the trail on how to keep well and happy, sharing their own personal experiences.

The mosaics were created by patients at the Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, a service of NorthWestern Mental Health.

Creative arts therapist Carolyn Noel worked with the artists and the trail was created in partnership with VicRoads and Leighton Contractors.

Ms Noel said the trail was a fantastic health and wellbeing initiative.

‘This project is unique with each mosaic sharing the artist’s thoughts, feelings and hopes with the wider community.

‘Seeing their work on permanent public display is certainly a positive experience for the patients and we’re thrilled to have had this opportunity,’ Ms Noel said.

VicRoads Project Director Trevor Boyd said by working with the patients in developing the Deer Park Bypass shared user path, a better facility for the community had been created.

‘Carolyn and all of the artists have enhanced this path to provide a fabulous trail that shares hope and understanding with the community.

‘We are very privileged that they’ve contributed so passionately to the Wellness Trail.

‘The mosaics are an excellent finishing touch to this important project that caters for cyclists and walkers, who can follow the trail along its full length between Caroline Springs and Sunshine West.’

The mosaics are used in each of the six rest stops along the nine kilometre path, providing cyclists and walkers the opportunity to stop and enjoy the mosaic panels set among the native gardens adjacent to the pathway.

Examples of the mosaic titles and captions include:

•           Stay in Touch—with family and friends;

•           Bakers Van—have some happy memories;

•           The Gift—by accepting this gift and smiling along with the artist you are already a happier, healthier person.

This is one of many creative arts projects created by the patients at the rehabilitation unit.

Other projects include the creation of mosaics for Sunshine Hospital and the development of a tranquil rainforest courtyard for their unit.

•          To download a map and brochure featuring the Wellness Trail artworks go to www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/deerparkbypass or call VicRoads on 9934 3700.