Sharing their stories

As part of NAIDOC Week, The Riddoch will host the launch of headspace Mount Gambier’s Stronger You Journal, a social and emotional wellbeing resource made specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the South East.

The journal launch will be held on Friday July 12 2024 in The Riddoch foyer from 12:00pm with minor formalities, catering, youth friendly activities and an opportunity to see the journal before its distribution.

NAIDOC Week aligns with the school holidays and young people are encouraged to attend the event and celebrate with headspace staff, representatives from service providers and visitors of The Riddoch.

headspace Mount Gambier Community Liaison Worker Nick McInerney said the team were looking forward to the launch.

“We are excited to launch this journal as a locally relevant and culturally appropriate Social and Emotional Wellbeing resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth,” Mr McInerney said.

“This project has seen collaboration from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers, headspace staff and been approved by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, with input and oversight from the headspace Youth Reference Group.”

The event will also highlight the work of local artist and proud Ngarrindjeri man Shaq, who created a colourful digital artwork featured on the journal cover.

“We are proud to feature an amazing artwork by Shaq and we look forward to sharing this resource with our community,” Mr McInerney said.

A printed version of Shaq’s artwork will be displayed at the launch. In addition to the formalities, The Riddoch will offer a digital virtual reality painting experience for attendees to get creative and an optional tour of current exhibitions by artists Beth Kay, Natalya Hughes and Clarice Beckett.

Following the launch, headspace will distribute the journal to schools and service providers throughout the local area.