A Place to Chat - Official launch

Installed in January 2025, A Place To Chat is an artwork developed by Abbey Rich and designed to encourage people to engage with each other while enjoying views of the Awaba (Lake Macquarie).

Initially developed through two community workshop events, the artwork was formed as a functional place to sit and encourage conversation. This artwork is part of a worldwide initiative, ‘Happy To Chat, ' to create public spaces for people to come together in a space to talk.

A Place to Chat was fabricated by 2Barrows and conceived through community workshops held in partnership with and through donation by the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body, and by the NSW Government through Create NSW.

Visit our website to read more about Abbey Rich's A Place to Chat.

Key information

• Saturday 29 March 2025 - National Hope Day
• Official proceedings commence from 11:30am
• For information about parking and access, please view the access map below or visit MAC yapang Visitor Information
• For enquiries, please contact mac@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

Looking for mental health support in Lake Macquarie or Newcastle for yourself or someone you care about? Mental health support services in Lake Macquarie

If you or someone you know is in crisis, or you would like to talk with someone, you can access 24-hour support by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Image: Abbey Rich, A Place to Chat, MAC yapang Sculpture Park, 2025. Photo courtesy of Wanagi.