April 9, 16 & 23rd are held at Bodalla Memorial Hall

In the wake of the 2019-20 bushfires that profoundly impacted Eurobodalla Shire, the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) recognised the crucial need for enhanced support for pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and young children. Responding to this, the Community Protection for Infants and Young Children in Bushfire Emergencies Project (Bushfire Project) emerged, harnessing ABA's deep-rooted presence in the community.

To bridge existing support gaps, we have partnered with Fire to Flourish and enlisted the expertise of local Counsellor and Art Therapist, Ness Shannon, from Active Art, to co-lead the Intergenerational Art workshops. These workshops create a secure and inclusive environment where participants of all ages and abilities can engage in artistic expression, fostering connections, learning, and overall well-being.

These extraordinary events, offered at no cost, will take place across three Eurobodalla locations from March to May 2024.

Our project aims to provide a diverse range of skills and knowledge to our community, spanning from art-based activities that nurture fine and gross motor skills in the youngest attendees to techniques fostering resilience within families. Individual parents and participants will have the opportunity to acquire skills that enhance child-parent bonding, self-compassion, and mindfulness under the guidance of our experienced art therapist. By facilitating connections between younger and older women, we strive to create a space where mutual learning can flourish.

Led by Ness Shannon, a local Art Therapist, Behaviour Specialist, and mother-of-three, each workshop over the three months will offer participants the chance to explore various mediums, gaining insight into the processes of creativity. A key objective of the program is to empower participants to immerse themselves in their art, discovering more about their mental health and well-being while connecting with like-minded women.

To accommodate parents, a separate station for children to participate will also be set up, along with a child supervisor ensuring a safe and engaging environment for all. Some of the mediums we will be working with include watercolors, paint-pens, charcoal, decollage, pastels, printing, journal making, and mixed-media art. Participants are welcome to attend single workshops or take part in the entire series. Light refreshments will be provided, enhancing the overall experience of this enriching and transformative project.