In Geelong, Australia, a poignant sculpture titled Solace offers a space for contemplation and healing for individuals affected by road trauma. This installation, overlooking Corio Bay, serves as a reminder of the deep emotional impact of road accidents. Each year, the third Sunday of November marks the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, a global observance dedicated to honoring those who have lost their lives or been injured on the roads.
The need for solace in times of distress can be profound. In 1986, Andy Calder, a minister with the Uniting Church, experienced this firsthand after being trapped under a reversing garbage truck. An off-duty nurse provided critical support, helping him breathe amid panic. His experience underscores the importance of a calm presence in moments of crisis.
The term “solace” is derived from the Latin word solacium, meaning comfort or consolation. Poet David Whyte eloquently describes solace as essential when faced with pain, loss, and suffering. He writes, “Solace is what we must look for when the mind cannot bear the pain, the loss or suffering that eventually touches every life and every endeavour.”
Community Support and Healing
In recognition of the need for emotional support, the Amber Community, a non-profit organization in Victoria, offers free counselling to those affected by road trauma. Their annual Time for Remembering ceremony, now in its 25th year, takes place at Parliament House. This event fosters community connection and remembrance, allowing individuals to honor their loved ones through story and song.
During the ceremony, attendees often bring photos of those lost, lighting candles in their memory. The choir has performed renditions such as Paul Kelly’s version of Psalm 23, “Meet Me In The Middle of the Air.” The gathering includes a range of petitions seeking hope and offering prayers for those impacted by road trauma, acknowledging health and healing services, emergency personnel, and community members.
The healing process can take many forms. Many find comfort in nature, spirituality, or simply by being heard in a supportive environment. Whether through formal counseling or informal gatherings, the importance of connection and understanding cannot be overstated.
Reflecting on Grief and Loss
The Solace sculpture itself is a beautiful representation of the grieving process. Comprising seven parts that symbolize the phases of the moon’s cycle, it invites visitors to reflect on the various emotions associated with road trauma. The semicircular design encourages movement through the space, allowing for both quiet reflection and communal engagement.
As Calder’s injuries gradually stabilized, he developed a profound appreciation for the solace provided by the nurse during his critical moment. He reflects on the duality of pain and beauty in the world, echoing Whyte’s sentiments: “Solace is not meant to be an answer, but an invitation, through the door of pain and difficulty, to the depth of suffering and simultaneous beauty in the world that the strategic mind by itself cannot grasp nor make sense of.”
The World Day of Remembrance serves not only as a day of reflection but also a call to action. With an estimated 1.2 million people dying annually from road traffic accidents worldwide, and many more suffering serious injuries, the need for ongoing support and awareness is critical.
Through community initiatives, artistic expressions, and shared experiences, those affected by road trauma can find a path toward healing and remembrance. The Solace sculpture stands as a testament to this journey, encouraging all who visit to pause, reflect, and seek comfort in their shared humanity.
