Culture as Healing
When art and culture come together, something powerful happens — wellbeing grows, connections deepen, and identity shines. That’s exactly what unfolded when Oyster Tribe proudly delivered our Create NSW Creative Nations program, Weaving Our Way to Wellbeing.
Facilitated by Aboriginal artist Lee Wellman, the program invited young people to explore their cultural identity through creativity, stories, and hands-on artmaking. What began as a simple workshop quickly became a celebration of connection, laughter, and shared learning.
Creative Expression Through Culture
Guided by an Aboriginal Artist
Lee Wellman brought her cultural knowledge and artistic skill to the heart of this workshop. She began by sharing insights into totems symbols of identity, belonging, and connection to Country. This teaching provided a cultural foundation before the group moved into painting, allowing the young participants to see their creativity as part of a deeper story.
One of the most memorable moments was Lee’s introduction to stone painting, a cultural artform that many of the children had never experienced before. With brushes in hand, the kids carefully decorated stones with vibrant colours and patterns, each one telling a unique story.
Lee explained that these stones could be left in schoolyards or community spaces for friends to find. This simple but powerful act transformed art into a way of sharing culture, allowing young people to take their creativity beyond the workshop and spread it throughout the community
The Joy of Connection
Laughter, Learning, and Belonging
The atmosphere was filled with warmth and joy. Children painted side by side, laughing, sharing stories, and encouraging one another. For many, the workshop became more than just an art activity — it was an opportunity to build friendships and strengthen cultural pride.
Voices of the Young Participants
The impact of the program was clear in the words of the children themselves.
- Indy said she loved the session because she made new friends.
- William returned to school full of excitement, telling everyone about the experience and sharing that he “can’t wait for the next one!”
These moments highlight how cultural programs like this go beyond creativity they nurture wellbeing, connection, and belonging
Community Spirit in Action
As with every strong community gathering, the session concluded with the sharing of food — fruit platters, juice, and plenty of pizza that brought everyone together for a good feed. While it may have seemed like a simple addition to the day, this act of breaking bread together carried deep cultural significance. Sharing meals has always been a way of strengthening relationships, building trust, and celebrating achievements within community. Around the tables, laughter flowed as naturally as conversation, giving participants the chance to connect more informally after the creative activities. For many of the young people, these moments of eating side by side were just as valuable as the workshop itself, creating memories of belonging and togetherness that they will carry forward.
The success of this program was not achieved alone. It was made possible through the meaningful partnership between Oyster Tribe and the Oyster Care Foundation, who worked hand in hand to bring the vision of Weaving Our Way to Wellbeing to life. Together, they created a safe, supportive, and culturally rich space for young people to explore creativity and strengthen their connection to culture. This collaboration was further supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, whose investment ensured the resources, guidance, and opportunities necessary for the program to flourish. It was a reminder of what can be achieved when community organisations and government support come together with a shared purpose — to uplift young people, nurture wellbeing, and keep culture alive for generations to come.
Weaving Culture, Creativity, and Wellbeing Together
Weaving Our Way to Wellbeing was more than an art workshop — it was a reminder that culture heals, art connects, and community strengthens us all. Guided by Lee Wellman’s teachings, the young participants didn’t just learn new creative skills; they left with a deeper sense of cultural pride, stronger friendships, and memories that will last long after the paint has dried. This program showed us once again that when young people engage with culture in creative ways, their wellbeing, confidence, and sense of identity grow stronger.
Oyster Tribe will continue creating opportunities for young people to explore culture, art, and connection — and we invite you to be part of this journey. By joining future programs, supporting Aboriginal artists, and sharing our stories, you can help ensure that culture continues to enrich the lives of young people in our community.
Want to learn more or get involved? Contact Oyster Tribe today to discover how you can support cultural wellbeing initiatives. Together, we can continue weaving pathways of creativity, healing, and cultural pride for generations to come.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where this program took place and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging
