Stanthorpe support group Happy Chat unveils Totems of Hope journey through art to community
In less than a year participants of the Happy Chat support group in Stanthorpe have helped create a space for the wider community to find solitude, as their Totems of Hope gala officially opened in time for mental health week. Full story here.
Stanthorpe
Don't miss out on the headlines from Stanthorpe. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Perched in among the once forgotten Whistlestop Community Gardens in Stanthorpe you’ll find dozens of inspirational clay-fired pieces of artwork.
A journey which only began in January of this year has brought mindfulness to the participants of the Happy Chat support group and changed their lives forever.
The Totems of Hope gala officially opened on Thursday with a very special Welcome to Country ceremony performed by First Nations members of the community Robbie and Tully.
Happy Chat founder Kath Ives and co-organiser, artist and counsellor Jenni Gill were pleased by the support of those from the community who had taken the time to observe the journey of Happy Chat’s participants.
Having a lived experience with mental health, Ms Ives said Mental Health Week was a time to bring others with lived experience together.
In describing the Totem of Hope process, Ms Gill said each person's experience was different and unique upon finding their own path.
“It’s a process that’s about setting people free and showing them they can make soft decisions about their future with a firm follow through,” she said.
Whistlestop Gardens won’t be the only location where you can find these unique works, with the group in the process of curating further pieces that are to feature in Stanthorpe’s main street later in the year.
More Coverage
Originally published as Stanthorpe support group Happy Chat unveils Totems of Hope journey through art to community
WATCH: The inside story of how Qld’s 41st Premier rose to power
David Crisafulli is a ruthless leader who will leave behind “enemies, bruised egos and hurt feelings” say those who know him best. Take an EXCLUSIVE behind-the-scenes look at why he was destined to be Premier, in The Sunday Mail’s exclusive documentary. WATCH NOW
Qld aged care homes: Who meets and fails key targets
Queensland aged care residents are not getting the care they are entitled to, as providers reveal the extreme lengths they’re using to hire staff. Search and see the list.
Police allege woman ‘indecently dealt with’ vulnerable person
Police have charged a Toowoomba woman with a number of concerning offences after an alleged incident involving a ‘mentally impaired person’.
Persistent heatwave to swelter across southwest
Queenslanders have been hit with a severe heatwave warning that’s predicted to stick around a little longer, with the state’s southwest unlikely to see a reprieve through the weekend.
Offender told to stay out of Queensland for her own good
A woman with a history of drug and fraud offending has elected to pay a massive fine so that she can live interstate, away from old friends with bad habits.
Tragic double-fatal crash leads to calls for road safety review
A tragic fatal truck crash on a major regional highway has a heavy vehicle road safety advocate calling for change. DETAILS.