In 2002 the founding Chaplain at Coffs Harbour Education Campus (CHEC), Rev Jan McLeod, established the now flourishing Sacred Garden. With student labour and valuable donations from clubs, churches and local businesses, the landscaping, rotunda, pond, paths and plants were completed and the Garden was officially opened in August 2004. Since then the trees, shrubs and flowers have flourished and many students and staff have found a place of solace for prayer and meditation in the Garden. It also serves as a Memorial Garden for the campus.
We are yet to complete and maintain the water feature, install lighting and to install some seating in the pergola.
The idea behind having a water feature in the Sacred Garden is to create an atmosphere of peace and serenity - water being symbolic of life-giving refreshment and healing. We also want to build bench seats around the inside of the pergola to create a space that is more usable on occasions such as the sadder Memorial Services and happy times such as weddings and small graduations.
In addition, there are plans to enhance the garden with a student-designed public art installation called "Turning Point". We have just received a local council Arts grant of $1500 which is a big boost for our fundraising.
Our ultimate goal is to maximise the beautiful space that has already been created and to develop the spiritual capital on this campus.
Mrs Anne Weeks
Chaplain
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NB: CHEC is a multi-sector campus, combining Southern Cross University's Coffs Harbour campus, North Coast Institute of TAFE's Coffs Harbour Education campus, Coffs Harbour Senior College (Year 11 & 12 government high school) and the Coffs Harbour English Language Centre.
The chaplaincy is part of SCU with permission to minister to students and staff across all sectors. Current chaplaincy staff is one half-time position, funded by the Anglican Diocese of Grafton. Contact the chaplain by email at chec.chaplains@scu.edu.au