Thank You, Freemasons Foundation Victoria
We are incredibly grateful to Freemasons Foundation Victoria for their generous grant of $33,900, which has helped bring Freemasons Way to life – over 2 kilometres of accessible walking trails at Reflections at Eppalock.
These trails are already being enjoyed by people living with dementia, their carers, and the wider community as a peaceful, inclusive space for connection, reflection, and wellbeing.
Thank you for supporting our vision and helping us create something truly special.
Freemasons Way has delivered on the vision, creating a thoughtfully designed and culturally inclusive environment that supports the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and their carers. More than just a physical pathway, Freemasons Way is now an integral part of the Reflections at Eppalock landscape—inviting connection, movement, and moments of calm for all who visit.
Over 2.5 kilometres of accessible walking trails now meander through ten acres of native bushland, beginning at the community hub and passing through a rich variety of environments including the lake, proposed picnic and BBQ area, the labyrinth, the food forest known as the “food cage,” Costerfield House, and the newly constructed campfire and yarning circle. Every aspect of the trail has been designed with accessibility and inclusion at its heart. The wide paths allow people using mobility aids to walk side by side with a support person, creating both physical ease and a sense of companionship.
The campfire and yarning circle were co-designed with community members and our project partners, ensuring the inclusion of diverse voices—particularly those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and LGBTQIA+ communities. These areas are not only culturally safe and welcoming, but also spaces where stories can be shared, traditions respected, and social bonds formed.
Community involvement has been a defining feature of this project. Local volunteers and participants created vibrant garden pockets and resting places along the trail, each with a signature yellow “buddy bench.” These brightly coloured benches invite people to pause, reflect, and connect with their surroundings or with each other. They are symbolic of the project’s deeper aim—to reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging for those who may otherwise feel excluded or overlooked.
The trails have already become a space where physical movement supports cognitive wellbeing. Nature-based activities such as sensory walks are beginning to show promise in reducing agitation and improving mood among participants with dementia. The design encourages a gentle rhythm of walking, resting, and re-engaging, which has proven particularly valuable for carers and participants alike. Early feedback suggests that Freemasons Way is enhancing both the emotional and physical health of its users.
In summary, Freemasons Way has not only fulfilled its promise—it has become a cornerstone of the Reflections at Eppalock project. It has brought to life a shared vision of respite that is grounded in dignity, inclusion, and community. The trails are not just walked—they are experienced, shared, and cherished.
