Rachael Coyle petitions Central Highlands Regional Council over son Jayden Ireland’s memorial at Blain Street, All Abilities Park in Blackwater

It has been nearly 12 months since teenager Jayden Ireland died suddenly at a Central Queensland park. Now, his heartbroken but determined mum is going into battle with the local council to stop the removal of a memorial in his honour.

A Blackwater park has become a safe haven for people to stop and think since a memorial for adored local teenager Jayden Ireland was placed in the garden bed there nearly 12 months ago.

The 18-year-old tragically died suddenly at the Blain Street All Abilities park on May 22, 2021 and since then, a memorial has been established in his honour.

But Central Highlands Regional Council says parts of the memorial need to be removed, citing ‘safety issues’.

Speaking nearly a year on from her son’s death, Jayden’s mum Rachael Coyle said the memorial was something the community ‘loved’ and she is petitioning the council to stop its removal.

“Obviously all of us family love it (the memorial) too and all of his friends do as well,” Ms Coyle said.

“We haven’t had anything but positive comments about it.”

Even people that didn’t know Jayden go to the park and just sit there, Ms Coyle said.

“They say that it’s a place of peace and comfort, and it helps with their mental state,” she said.

“It’s completely loved by the community and everyone wants it to stay.”

Ms Coyle said Central Highlands Regional Council told the family some items being left at the memorial were not allowed due to safety concerns, but she claims there have been no reported incidents of anyone hurting themselves as a result of the memorial and the site is maintained by Jayden’s grandmother and her husband.

She said the only items that posed a safety risk were glass alcohol bottles left at the site a while ago, which Ms Coyle and her family agreed were not appropriate.

Ms Coyle and her family asked the public not to leave glass alcohol bottles there and since then, no one has.

Jayden has been laid to rest at a Rockhampton cemetery, so the removal of the site would mean people in Blackwater won’t have a place locally to remember him.

Ms Coyle is worried about the negative impact the removal of the memorial would have on the community of Blackwater.

“I just think that there are safety risks there for the community, for people’s mental health,” she said.

“Blackwater is only a small town and there’s not a lot to do there.

“The whole community was affected by Jayden’s loss, and they need a place of peace and comfort, to be able to go to help them through their grief.”

A plaque that was purchased by Jayden’s grandmother was placed in the garden bed at the site, with a stand made and donated by a local business.

When the plaque was put there in September last year other mementos that were left by other members of the Blackwater community were removed and destroyed by the council, Ms Coyle claimed.

Central Highlands Regional Council general manager of Communities, John McDougall said council was working with Jayden’s family.

“Firstly, council expresses its sincere condolences to the family of Jayden Ireland, who have experienced an unimaginable loss,” he said.

“Council has been in contact with the family over the past year, and a face-to-face meeting with them is scheduled for next month.

“In 2021, council arranged for a plaque to be placed in a garden at the All Abilities Park in Blackwater as a memorial for Jayden.

“However, the memorial has been added to informally and often includes items that are unsafe, such as open alcohol and glass.

“The All Abilities Park is a place specially designed for children with disabilities and their families.

“While council acknowledges the importance of memorials for lost loved ones, we have also received feedback that many people do not feel comfortable to use this public space any more.

“Council will continue to work with the family and the community to find a fair and respectful resolution.”

Since being launched about a week ago, Ms Coyle’s petition has gained nearly 4000 signatures of its 5000 signature goal and there has been an outpouring of love and support for the memorial to stay where it is.

“Jayden was my best friend, he deserves to have this memorial display just as much as any other person. It’s not causing anyone any harm, so I don’t understand the big fuss the council is making,” wrote Storm Drover.

“Jayden Ireland is a big inspiration to the Blackwater community. Unfortunately it was dearly sad to hear about his death, but his memorial at the park opens eyes to mental health awareness (especially men’s mental health)! He was very known to the Blackwater community and because of this people go there when they are grieving him, or something else that they find hard in life. It would be very stupid and dishonouring to take it down,” Leah Howell wrote.

“This boy was loved by all and we need this place to grieve. We still miss him. This can’t be taken from us,” wrote Hayley Jade.

Ms Coyle and her family would love to thank the community and everybody for all of their support.

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