Stories
Stories
Stories
Quick snippets from communities using the arts to generate joy, build unity and more!
Quick snippets from communities using the arts to generate joy, build unity and more!
CAIRNS
Drum circle uses beats to create harmony
A group of volunteers organised a neighbourhood family festival, held on the lawn outside a block of units in Far North Queensland. The aim was to bring the community together to think and talk about the importance of building strong families. On the lawn, a small drum circle was formed, using music and rhythm to create harmony, participation and unity.
CAIRNS
Drum circle uses beats to create harmony
A group of volunteers organised a neighbourhood family festival, held on the lawn outside a block of units in Far North Queensland. The aim was to bring the community together to think and talk about the importance of building strong families. On the lawn, a small drum circle was formed, using music and rhythm to create harmony, participation and unity.
CAIRNS
Drum circle uses beats to create harmony
A group of volunteers organised a neighbourhood family festival, held on the lawn outside a block of units in Far North Queensland. The aim was to bring the community together to think and talk about the importance of building strong families. On the lawn, a small drum circle was formed, using music and rhythm to create harmony, participation and unity.
TOWNSVILLE
Youth group creates and performs play
A group of young people from Townsville have spent their school holidays travelling the east coast of Queensland presenting a play about the life and service of an inspiring figure from history. The project began when a member of the youth group expressed his desire to develop his talent for acting. With support from a facilitator of the program, a small group of actors formed and brought the project to life. “The value of bringing things through theatre, it’s not the same as reading a book. Because you actually see the performance first hand, you get to relive what she went through, in person.” said one of the participants reflecting on using the arts.
TOWNSVILLE
Youth group creates and performs play
A group of young people from Townsville have spent their school holidays travelling the east coast of Queensland presenting a play about the life and service of an inspiring figure from history. The project began when a member of the youth group expressed his desire to develop his talent for acting. With support from a facilitator of the program, a small group of actors formed and brought the project to life. “The value of bringing things through theatre, it’s not the same as reading a book. Because you actually see the performance first hand, you get to relive what she went through, in person.” said one of the participants reflecting on using the arts.
TOWNSVILLE
Youth group creates and performs play
A group of young people from Townsville have spent their school holidays travelling the east coast of Queensland presenting a play about the life and service of an inspiring figure from history. The project began when a member of the youth group expressed his desire to develop his talent for acting. With support from a facilitator of the program, a small group of actors formed and brought the project to life. “The value of bringing things through theatre, it’s not the same as reading a book. Because you actually see the performance first hand, you get to relive what she went through, in person.” said one of the participants reflecting on using the arts.
DARWIN
Painting an atmosphere of joy
A community in the Top End decided to use painting to create a welcome atmosphere of joy for a local community celebration. The celebration, called Ayyam-i-Ha, emphasises generosity and unity as central themes. To reflect these concepts, guests were invited to a watercolour table where they could chat, get to know each other, and create watercolour bookmarks that they could then gift to others.
DARWIN
Painting an atmosphere of joy
A community in the Top End decided to use painting to create a welcome atmosphere of joy for a local community celebration. The celebration, called Ayyam-i-Ha, emphasises generosity and unity as central themes. To reflect these concepts, guests were invited to a watercolour table where they could chat, get to know each other, and create watercolour bookmarks that they could then gift to others.
DARWIN
Painting an atmosphere of joy
A community in the Top End decided to use painting to create a welcome atmosphere of joy for a local community celebration. The celebration, called Ayyam-i-Ha, emphasises generosity and unity as central themes. To reflect these concepts, guests were invited to a watercolour table where they could chat, get to know each other, and create watercolour bookmarks that they could then gift to others.
TOWNSVILLE
Townsville student recognised nationally for artwork depicting respect to girls
Aitkenvale State School student and participant in the local program for the spiritual education of children, Innocent Muhindo, has been awarded $250 cash and publication of his art as part of the national Violence Against Women: Let’s Stop it at the Start campaign. Opportunities to use his artistic talents for the betterment of humanity have arisen through Innocent’s involvement in the program. When Innocent learned he had won a large cash prize, his first thoughts turned to his family, teacher and friends. Manifesting selflessness and generosity, Innocent bought gifts of ice-cream for his friends; mangos, chips and chocolates for his six siblings; gifts for his parents; and an end of year thank you gift for his classroom teacher.
TOWNSVILLE
Townsville student recognised nationally for artwork depicting respect to girls
Aitkenvale State School student and participant in the local program for the spiritual education of children, Innocent Muhindo, has been awarded $250 cash and publication of his art as part of the national Violence Against Women: Let’s Stop it at the Start campaign. Opportunities to use his artistic talents for the betterment of humanity have arisen through Innocent’s involvement in the program. When Innocent learned he had won a large cash prize, his first thoughts turned to his family, teacher and friends. Manifesting selflessness and generosity, Innocent bought gifts of ice-cream for his friends; mangos, chips and chocolates for his six siblings; gifts for his parents; and an end of year thank you gift for his classroom teacher.
TOWNSVILLE
Townsville student recognised nationally for artwork depicting respect to girls
Aitkenvale State School student and participant in the local program for the spiritual education of children, Innocent Muhindo, has been awarded $250 cash and publication of his art as part of the national Violence Against Women: Let’s Stop it at the Start campaign. Opportunities to use his artistic talents for the betterment of humanity have arisen through Innocent’s involvement in the program. When Innocent learned he had won a large cash prize, his first thoughts turned to his family, teacher and friends. Manifesting selflessness and generosity, Innocent bought gifts of ice-cream for his friends; mangos, chips and chocolates for his six siblings; gifts for his parents; and an end of year thank you gift for his classroom teacher.
The Effie Baker Foundation was established in 2025, and is entirely philanthropically funded. We are a registered Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Australian charity (ACN 684 812 735)
© 2025 Effie Baker Foundation Ltd
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.
The Effie Baker Foundation was established in 2025, and is entirely philanthropically funded. We are a registered Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Australian charity (ACN 684 812 735)
© 2025 Effie Baker Foundation Ltd
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.
The Effie Baker Foundation was established in 2025, and is entirely philanthropically funded. We are a registered Australian charity (ACN 684 812 735)
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.