'Message sticks': arts program in community facilities

• Reach:

  QLD

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Status:

  Completed

• Evaluated:

  No

Overview

This arts program aimed to reduce the stigma of mental illness and the sense of isolation felt by Indigenous people suffering from a mental illness. The program involved decorating message sticks with images of cultural and spiritual significance, and then positioning them in prominent locations within mainstream community facilities. The program intended to increase the sense of belonging and confidence felt by Indigenous people using community health facilities in the Northside Health Service District in Queensland.

This arts program was described in Issue 4 of the Queensland Department of Communities' Indigenous magazine, Namalata thusi (page 23).

Abstract adapted from Queensland Department of Communities

Contacts

Northside Health Service District
Queensland Health
Ph: (07) 3139 4000
Ph: (07) 3139 4223

Links

• View information: Namalata Thusi magazine
• View contact details: Queensland Health Services - Districts
• View website: Queensland Government Department of Communities