Successful Projects
At Stella Community, we take pride in our impactful projects that have made a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities we serve. Here are some highlights of our successful initiatives:
These successful projects exemplify our commitment to creating positive change and addressing pressing social challenges. We are grateful for the support of our donors, partners, volunteers, and community members who have made these achievements possible.
To learn more about our ongoing projects and how you can get involved, please visit our "Get Involved" page.
The Art of Wellbeing
Description: With support from the 2022 Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) Community Events Grant Program, Stella Community hosted The Art of Wellbeing workshops in both Bowen and Collinsville. The Art of Wellbeing workshops involved providing participants with the opportunity to express themselves through paint and create their own masterpiece to take home. A credentialed Mental Health Nurse/Counsellor also discussed and reflected on Awareness, Belonging and Connection.
Impact: These workshops connected people and communities whilst reflecting on the important factors that help people maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.
Shine a Light on Mental Health
Description: Stella Community hosted free ‘Shine a Light on Mental Health’ sun catcher workshops in Cannonvale and Bowen during 2023 Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW), with thanks to the QMHW Community Grants Program. Participants were able to get creative and learn how to make their very own sun catcher. Each workshop was facilitated by a local community artist who led participants in experiencing the benefits of creative arts, including the positive impacts on mental wellbeing.
Impact: These two creative events attracted community involvement in Queensland Mental Health Week and promoted individual and community mental health in ways and settings appropriate and meaningful to each community.
A Community Garden for Bowen
Description: With thanks to the Whitsunday Regional Council, Stella Community was given permission to create a Community Garden on the vacant fenced land between the Bowen Garden Club building and the Early Childhood and Education building on Williams Street. Stella Community was also successful in obtaining 70 native trees and shrubs from the Carman’s Trees for Bees Program – our sincere thanks for their generous support. Our first community tree planting day was held on 21st February 2024 and we continue to grow and build this community space.
Impact: Our community garden will be a vibrant hub where individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can come together to grow, learn, and connect with nature.
Empowering the Unheard
Description: Stella Community has received grant funding from the Queensland Office for Women to advocate for vulnerable and disadvantaged women in the Whitsunday, Burdekin and Charters Towers areas, to receive government benefits they are entitled to. Stella Community already provides pro-bono advocacy services to individuals who are struggling to apply for Disability Support Pension, NDIS and My Aged Care. Those that reach out to us have usually tried to access benefits on their own, and because of complex bureaucracies, are either close to giving up, or simply cannot understand the government processes.
Impact: The Office of Women have recognised the need for advocacy, and funded us to expand our work. We will be distributing an important pre-workshop survey aimed at better understanding the needs, challenges, and aspirations of women in rural and regional Queensland, who may require advocacy support and hosting an advocacy roadshow event in July 2024. This will involve Education and Information sessions, with pop-up advocacy booths will be held in Cannonvale, Bowen, Ayr and Charters Towers.
Purchase Garden Equipment
Description: The Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) awarded a grant to Stella Community in March 2024 to purchase equipment for the Bowen Community Garden. We thank the Queensland Government and the Gambling Community Benefit Committee for is grant funding.
Impact: This grant will greatly help Stella Community to establish the Bowen Community Garden for the greater community to enjoy.
Garden Shade Sails
Description: Stella Community has received a QCoal Foundation Community Spirit grant for the Bowen Community Garden Shade Sails project!
Impact: This grant will be used to purchase and install shade sails for the Community Garden providing a cool, shaded area and wet weather protection making a more welcoming space. The sails will be a great addition to the garden.