Connor Brookman Flanagan Memorial Picnic Bench

Hi my name is Karyn flanagan and I'm raising funds for a Memorial Picnic Bench to create a place for Connor's friends. These young people would love a place “to sit with Connor” to remember him and the good times shared so that he remains present and close to them. His death has left a great void in their lives.

After the unexpected death of Connor in July 2023, who had only just turned 18 years of age, his extensive circle of friends have longed for a memorial at their favourite recreational space in Coffs Harbour, Brelsford Park Skate Park.

This fundraiser aims to raise $10,000 to cover the cost of the purchase and installation of a picnic bench in honour of Connor and the treasured friendships made with his extensive network of friends. Any excess funds will go towards an opening for the memorial bench and a celebration of Connor’s life for his friends and the community.

The death of a very loved and respected friend is difficult at any age, but for these young people it has been devastating. Connor was central to their circle of friendships, a very passionate and active skateboarder who brought loyalty, friendship, laughter and wisdom to the skate park. His friends recall how he brought a positive vibe to the skate park, how he taught them about the world around them and spirituality, how he would support them including the young kids and older residents that visited the park, and how he would pick up the rubbish off the ground every day before he left. Hours were spent at the skate park, skating and practising skateboarding tricks with Connor, a place to unwind from the stresses of school, the challenges of being a teenager, and the increasing pressures of life. Although many have said they would rest after an hour or so of skating, his friends remember watching Connor in awe as he continued to practice with dedication for hours. Within only 18 months of learning to skate Connor had become one of the best skaters in Coffs Harbour, his dream was to become a pro skater. Connor was also a grade A student throughout his schooling years; a top-level reader since kindergarten although he didn’t enjoy reading, capable of advanced maths years beyond his grade, number one student in Science in year 10, an athletic sportsperson (squash champion, long and short distance runner, soccer, long and high jumper), a gifted visual artist and writer, and a talented classical and blues pianist. He was a highly intelligent achiever that was multitalented and capable of succeeding at everything he put his attention to.

Sadly, Connor took his own life after struggling with his mental health, primarily depression and social anxiety initiated by the pandemic. The years of development from 15 to 23 years of age are some of the most difficult to traverse under normal conditions. Since the pandemic lockdowns and restrictions, suicide in young people has sky-rocketed, especially in young men; 75% of teenagers have reported that they have struggled with mental health, and 1 out of 2 report that they feel alone (ABC Network). The teenage years are difficult at the best of times, however having to process and cope with the suicide of a much loved and respected friend has left these young people grappling with questions, shock and a deep sense of loss and grief.

Please support these young people by donating to this important cause. Not only will the memorial bench offer a place of comfort and remembrance for Connor’s friends, but it will also demonstrate to our young adults that they are valued and supported by our community and a reminder that they are not alone. As there is no seating in close proximity to the skate park, the memorial bench will also serve as a much-needed place to sit for the whole skating community, their friends and family, for years to come.