Hope Wall Art Therapy Project

The Hope Wall Project at Ballina Public School, an art therapy initiative for Aboriginal students, was initiated by Outreach paediatrician, Dr Blessy Charles, in late 2017.

Dr Charles provided Medical Outreach Indigenous Chronic Disease Program (MOICDP)-funded paediatric clinics for Aboriginal families during the year and suggested the Hope Wall Art Therapy Project.

The art therapy initiative aims to support Aboriginal children to express their hopes and dreams for the future.

Children were assisted by local artist Gilbert Laurie, Northern NSW Local Health District (LHD) community health teams and Ballina Public School.

The children revealed the canvas artwork at a school ceremony attended by local Aboriginal Elders, which involved an Aboriginal dance performance and the students sharing stories of their involvement with the project as well as their personal aspirations.

The project received positive feedback from the school in relation to the children's engagement and increased confidence in expression, with quite a few of the children being involved in such a way for the first time.

The project was funded by the Northern NSW LHD and the artwork was donated to Bullinah Aboriginal Medical Centre to place on permanent display.

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