Mark Watterson’s sand messages make locals smile at Bellerive Beach

A cheerful Tasmanian youth worker has been helping strangers start their day with a smile, writing a positive message in the sand at his local beach every morning for two months.

Mark Watterson has brightened locals’ days drawing positive messages in the sand every morning for two months.

The youth worker said he had always enjoyed making others happy.

“People are struggling at the moment,” he said.

“Especially the youth I work with.”

Mark Watterson at Bellerive Beach with his message stick. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Mr Watterson said he “couldn’t believe” the strong community response when he decided to write one positive message every day in the Bellerive Beach sand through the pandemic

“Just today, a bloke walked past and said ‘you’re making us all happy’,” he said.

“Another guy was taking photos every day and sending them to his sister in Brisbane.”

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He said he had lived at Bellerive Beach for 20 years, occasionally receiving odd glances on his beach walks for his bold attire.

“People often judge me for what I look like,” he said.

“I’ve made friends down there now. We’re going to catch up when (restrictions are) over.”

Mark Watterson's message to "bee kind" in a series of positive beach quotes he has written throughout the pandemic. SOURCE: SUPPLIED

Visible from nearby footpaths, Mr Watterson’s quotes include messages from several contributors.

“‘Be a rainbow in someone’s day’ was a nice one, my friend’s eight-year-old did that,” he said.

“I wrote it under a rainbow, but sometimes I draw hearts and clouds.”

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Each quote is written using a special message stick created by his Aboriginal friends.

“Sometimes people write a thank you message underneath,” Mr Watterson said.

“It’s just beautiful.”

He said his diary was filled with quotes until the end of May.

“People want me to do it all year, but I can’t come up with that many,” he said.