The Yarning Circle
Neilson Park, Coonabarabran. –31.271019567119353, 149.27774303363776
Everyone is welcome to stop and chat, contemplate and commune.
Yarn, Support, Connect – Coonabarabran Suicide Prevention Network installed the Yarning Circle in Neilson Park in 2020. It is a community owned asset that anyone can use in the way it was intended. A place to be with others. Whether you are there with a coffee and talking to visitors to our local area, or you are a bunch of young fellas who want to have a fire and talk about the footy, it’s there for you. Leave it better than you found it, and let others share the space.
Using the Yarning Circle at night.
There’s a big enclosed fire pit in the middle of the Yarning Circle that you are welcome to light a fire in. We ask that you respect Total Fire Bans, and that you bring your own wood and kindling. Please take your good mood, memories, and rubbish with you when you leave.
If someone is there already, ask if you can share their light and warmth, it’s there for everyone and in our local spirit they should be happy for you to join them.
History of the banks of the river where the Yarning Circle is.
FAQ
Do I have to book somewhere to use the Yarning Circle?
There’s no need to book to use the Yarning Circle, but there are occasions when the Yarning Circle will be held for meetings or other special events. In most cases you will be able to sit quietly and observe if you want, or you can move to elsewhere in the park. The Yarning Circle is a public asset that is there for the community to use.
Is there a fee to use the Yarning Circle
No. We do ask that you leave the Yarning Circle better than what it was when you first arrive. Feel free to clear away leaves and stick, or weed the bush tucker gardens.
Can I light a fire in the fire pit?
If you are over 18 years of age then sure! Make sure it’s not a total fire ban and that you are being safe.
Who funded the Yarning Circle?
Yarn, Support, Connect – Coonabarabran Suicide Prevention Network received funding from Wesley Mission to set up as a group in 2019. Yarn, Support, Connect decided that there needed to be a place where people of all kinds could spend time while touching earth and developed the idea of the Yarning Circle.
Who maintains the Yarning Circle?
The Warrumbungle Shire Council does the general maintenance in Neilson Park, which includes mowing and emptying bins. Sometimes Yarn, Support, Connect has to put out a call to the community for a working bee to tidy up the Yarning Circle. If everyone helps a little bit every time they use the circle, then there’s not much to do most of the time. If you leave it better than you found it then it will be fit for anyone to use.
Can I take pictures of the Yarning Circle?
Sure! Please be respectful about posting images of people online who you don’t have consent from, but we would love you to see your images.