Every stride in Yarrabilba now comes with a little encouragement, thanks to bright affirmations painted along the Darlington Parklands running track.
The “positive affirmations” project – featuring 10 messages of hope along the pathway – was officially launched after R U OK Day (11 September).
The initiative was led by local resident Jodie McCoy, who wanted to promote mental health awareness and wellbeing in one of Logan’s fastest growing areas.
She said a local loss of life had been the driving force behind her actions.
“One positive word can change everything,” Miss McCoy said.
“If you can just stop one person from feeling that low, that’s an achievement.
“I hope the community will see the positive statements and always remember them.”
Miss McCoy wanted to make her idea a reality, and set out working students from Yarrabilba State Secondary College, Yarrabilba State School and San Damiano College, and the local council.
Councillor Nathan St Ledger, who has been a mental health advocate before and during his role as councillor, said the Darlington Parklands was used by a local parkrun group and would soon be used by a mental health walk and talk group.
“Not every day has to be perfect, and seeing these affirmations painted on the footpath might be enough for someone to think differently,” Cr St Ledger said.
“It’s important to check in on our friends, family and colleagues.”
‘It’s ok to not be ok, and we can all remind ourselves that help is available anytime someone is struggling.”
This isn’t a first-of-a-kind project. In recent years, colourful words of hope were painted on a staircase in Meadowbrook, while two trees in Logan Reserve’s Loganview Park and at the Cedar Grove Environmental Centre were painted bright blue.
“As one of the most welcoming cities in Australia, Logan is a community that supports each other through thick and thin,” Cr Bannan said.
“Having messages of positivity painted across the city will encourage people to stop and think about what’s important to them.
“We want these pops of colour to become talking points in our communities.”
