A new mural conceived by Carinity Education Glendyne students has been officially unveiled in the heart of Hervey Bay.
In partnership with HBNC (Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre), students developed the 5m wide artwork which reflects the aspirations and concerns of local young people.
Elinor May from HBNC said the mural concept spawned from students "thinking about things that were important to them".
"We would discuss current events and things that were affecting them, from bullying to youth crime, peer pressure, vaping, smoking and all the things that were going on in their world," Elinor said.
"From here we talked about making a statement piece to reflect the positive contribution that youth can make, as they all felt that people only saw the bad in them."
Under the guidance of a local artist, LeeLee West, students created images that made them happy, feel connected and "represented the beauty of their region".
"Students created flora, fauna, local icons and patterns and words that resonated with them, and these were all put together," Elinor said.
"The mural is based around doing what was good for your soul and finding peace and solace in the beauty around us."
The mural now decorates The Neighbourhood Hive, a converted warehouse space come community hub located in Pialba.
Supervising teacher, Nichola Smith, said the mural project was part of a Carinity Education Glendyne program supporting student's "hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom".
"By engaging with the community, students develop important life skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership," Nichola said.
"They learn to adapt to different situations, work with diverse groups of people, and develop empathy and understanding for others.
"Getting involved in the community helps students develop a sense of civic responsibility and become active citizens. They learn about social issues, community needs, and the importance of making positive contributions to society."
Nichola said volunteering also helps students "apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings" and develop skills transferable to employment.
"These connections can be valuable for future career prospects, mentorship, personal growth … and a sense of civic responsibility, preparing them for success in both their personal and professional lives."
