Community & Business
21 August, 2026
Painting and preparing
MAREEBA Shire residents are invited to take part in free Paint and Prepare workshops next month that are designed to support mental wellbeing, build resilience and strengthen community preparedness.
“Natural disasters and unexpected life events can have a significant impact on mental health,” Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said.
“For people living in rural and remote communities, these challenges can be compounded by isolation, limited access to services and additional day-to-day pressures.”
The Paint and Prepare workshops – to be held in Julatten, Irvinebank and Chillagoe – provide participants with practical strategies to build resilience, information about support services available in the region, and an opportunity to explore how creative activities can assist with emotional processing and recovery from life’s challenges.
Participants will receive a complimentary paint-by-number kit and can choose to complete their artwork individually or collaborate with others.
The workshops are primarily aimed at adults, however children are welcome to attend under adult supervision.
“I encourage community members to take advantage of this free opportunity to learn valuable wellbeing and preparedness skills while connecting with others through creativity,” Mayor Toppin said.
The Chillagoe workshop is on 2 September at the town hall; while the Julatten one is on 9 September, and the Irvinebank event on 23 September. All workshops will be held between 5.30pm-7.30pm.
Places are limited and registrations are essential. To register, visit: https://mareebashirecouncil.snapforms.com.au/form/paint-and-prepare-registration
