Torquay student’s art wins R U OK? award

TORQUAY’S Brigid Ward has won the 2024 R U OK? National Student Art Competition, organised to inspire conversations that count.

The award celebrates Brigid’s creativity and ability to represent, through the power of art, what an R U OK? conversation means to them personally and to highlight the importance of meaningful conversations with their peers.

The 13-year-old attends Iona College in Armstrong Creek.

Her artwork, “Healthy Conversations”, is a mixed-media painting, using acrylic paint, watercolour, texters and pencils.

“‘Healthy Conversations’ is about connecting and checking in with people in your everyday life, such as school peers, neighbours, family and any communities you’re involved with,” Brigid said about her work.

Five winners were selected from the group of 16 national finalists, scored by a panel of judges.

Artworks were judged on artistic skill, imaginative storytelling and how well they conveyed the R U OK? message.

“We are thrilled by the calibre of entries we received,” R U OK? chief executive officer Katherine Newton said.

“It’s incredibly inspiring to see our younger generation embracing the R U OK? message and portraying it in a way that showcases the simple steps people can take to make a difference in someone’s life.”

At the presentation ceremony, winners heard from special guests including Pitjantjatjara artist and competition judge Sally Scales.

“Painting has always been a meditation experience for me, a time to destress and relax. It allows us to express our feelings and emotions and to tell stories,” Ms Scales said.

“The biggest thank you to these incredible students. Your artworks were amazing, and I found it very hard to judge.”

R U OK?Day, the initiative’s national day of action, was observed yesterday (Thursday, September 12). Head to ruok.org.au for free tools to build a R U OK? culture across your year.

Kids Helpline (24/7, for youth 5-25) 1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au – confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis support at any time of day or night. Phone 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at lifeline.org.au

13YARN is a free 24/7 service offering crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Phone 13 YARN (13 92 76).