News

Camden Council recently unveiled NSW’s very first Wind Phone. Located on the Nepean River Trail, surrounded by abundant natural beauty, peace, and tranquility, it is the perfect environment for people to slow down and spend time with their thoughts.

We first wrote about Wind Phones back in February with guest writer Lotti Fraser telling us, “A Wind Phone is a simple concept: a disconnected phone set up in a quiet, natural area where people can “contact” loved ones who have died. You simply pick up the receiver, speak, and let the wind carry your words wherever they need to go.”

More than just a way for people to honour, remember, and connect with loved ones they have lost, this Wind Phone is also a contemplative public art installation titled, ‘Whispering in the Wind’. It was inspired by Nadine, who lost her son at one year old, and was responsible for lodging the original expression of interest.

The whole installation has been put together using upcycled materials. Council worker Laurie Smith constructed the bench using over hundred year old black ironbark timber taken from a local house. The wrought iron ends and arch had former lives at the Camden Civic Centre and were lovingly powder coated by Dave from Narellan Powder Coating. The phone itself was designed and created using glass and recycled metals by local Macarthur artist Quintin Laws.

“The Wind Phone was created as a peaceful place where people can sit and talk to loved ones who have passed on, whether symbolically or spiritually. At the heart of the phone, I have installed a glass heart that is connected to different points inside the structure. This heart represents the connection between our world and the afterlife, symbolising the bond we continue to share with those we love”, said Quintin. “I hope it will provide comfort, reflection, and peace to all who visit it.”

At the unveiling, Camden Mayor, Cr Theresa Fedeli said Council is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces that support emotional wellbeing.

“The Wind Phone provides a peaceful place where people can pause, reflect and express thoughts and feelings they may wish they could share with someone they have lost.

“Whether it’s speaking words left unsaid, sharing memories or simply spending a quiet moment in reflection, this space is here for anyone who may find comfort in it”, she said.

Underneath the Wind Phone there is a plaque which reads:

Whispering in the Wind

This phone is here for you,

For words left unsaid,

The memories held close,

And the love that lives on.

Let the wind carry your message,

Let this be a place of comfort,

A space for your connection,

A moment of peace.

 

Images:

LEFT – The Camden Wind Phone unveiling party, (L – R) Dave from Narellan Powder Coating, Mayor Fedeli, Nadine (original inspiration), artist Quintin Laws, and woodworker Laurie. (Photo credit: Camden Council)

RIGHT – Wind phone created by Quintin Laws of Quintin’s Creations of Campbelltown (Photo credit: I Willis)