EVENT PROGRAM

Painting is just another way of keeping a diary. Pablo Picasso

Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in this life has a purpose. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars. Les Brown

Desire, ask, believe, receive. Stella Terrill Mann

To keep the body in good health is a duty....Otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. Buddha

CONTENTS: Original Art - Deb Broughton Garvey School of Dance - Maureen BlackBoyCreations - Jason Ridgeway Yoga - Jessica Ranjit Drawing - Julie Shea Rhythm Realm Drumming - Kaya Macleay Valley Martial Arts - Glenn Art Therapist - Emma Gentle Phone Photography - Sharon Lamb Pony Workshop - RDA Pets & Critters - Pete & Jodie Creating Healthy Minds - Headspace Creating Healthy Minds - Suzanne Green Reptile Exhibition - Reptile Solutions Tie Dying - Threads The Macleay Options Story Acknowledgements Supporting our Community





4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21

22 23 24 25 26-27 28-29 30 31 32



Acrylic Painting with Deb Broughton Morning session 14+ years 10am to 12 noon

Afternoon session 8-14 years 1pm to 3pm





About Deb

I'm a contemporary painter, based on the mid-north coast of NSW, Australia. I work from my home studio, painting oil and acrylic artworks, inspired by the beach, fauna and flora around this wonderful country. My work is found all over the world on a wide range of homewares and souvenirs including mugs, placemats, cushion covers, bags, tea towels, beach towels, calendars, magnets etc, etc. In Summertime you can find me at markets and festivals around the mid-north coast, or at my shop/gallery in The Gladstone Hub and studio visits are always welcomed.

Deb has recently completed her largest painting ever : Savages Lane Mural, Kempsey

Dance workshops

with Garvey School of Dance Junior Jazz 5-12 years 9am - 10am

Senior Jazz 13+ years 10-11am

Contemporary Dance 10+ years 11am-12 noon

Junior Hip Hop 5-12 years 1-2pm

Senior Hip Hop 13+ years 2-3pm

Maureen Garvey established Garvey School of Dance after relocating to the Macleay Valley from Melbourne in 1983. GSOD studio can be found in Edinburgh Lane, Kempsey.

Offering classes in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, boys-only hip hop, acrobatics, Irish dance and cheerleading, GSOD is a welcoming dance school that caters to all levels of dancers. Whether a beginner or looking to challenge your ability you can be sure to experience the joy of dance by participating in our workshop classes. Above all, Maureen believes that dance should be fun for and accessible to all.

Authentic Aboriginal Art with

Jason Ridgeway Morning Session 9am - 10.30am



Middle Session 11am - 12.30pm



Afternoon Session 1.30pm - 3.00pm



BlackBoyCreations About Jason My name is Jason Ridgeway, I am a proud Aboriginal artist from the Dunghutti/Thunghutti Nation of Kempsey on the NSW Mid North Coast. I absolutely love and cherish my culture and hope to pass on all that I’ve learnt to the next generation. I​ started using art as a coping mechanism to help with my depression - I find it to be healing as it allows me to tell my life story. I've evolved into a successful artist creating stunning artworks on various mediums for a broad range of customers and corporate clients, through commissioned work and private sales. My creations can be found on apparel, signage, murals, corporate branding and even surfboards – just about anything! My passion is turning ideas into artworks, creating stories from my personal experiences and also from others. Some of the stories shared through my art have been passed down to me from my grandparents and their brothers and sisters.

Yoga sessions with Jessica Ranjit

0-5 years 9am - 10am

5-12 years 10am-11am

12-15 years 11am - 12nn

16-20 years 1pm - 2pm

20-24 years 2pm - 3pm

About Jessica Ranjit Life can feel pretty tough sometimes - I feel you, I've been there too. And I noticed that when I felt low or stressed, my breathing changed, the flow was gone and my mind couldn't seem to make sense of the world. In our workshops, I'm going to share some tools with you that bring our true selves back - that bring back the magic. And yes, there'll be a few crazy poses as well! Don't miss it. Jess holds a degree in Psychology and studied Astrology and Reiki from a young age. She has undertaken Vipassana (10 day silence retreat) in the Indian Himalaya and has worked with Bill Bennett on what he calls the 'Personal Guidance System'. Jess also worked with the High Commission of India, Canberra as lead demonstrator for the 5th International Day of Yoga 2019 celebration. Jessica teaches Ashtanga Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga, focusing on much more than the physical practice (Asana) and includes breathing techniques (Pranayama) and meditation in her classes. Her methods support students to accept where they find themselves, assist them to progress along their own unique path and reconnect them with their inner Guru. She uses variations to ensure students are safe, but appropriately challenged.

Drawing with Julie Shea

Morning session Drawing & Sketching from Nature 8 - 24yrs 9.30am - 11.30am



Afternoon Session Pattern Making and Manga 8 - 24yrs 1pm - 3pm



About Julie Shea Julie wants to share her experience to teach you to draw. I have been drawing since I was young and have had many wonderful teachers. There are lots of ways to draw from experimental abstract to traditional representation, all of which have their own unique value. You can use almost anything to draw - anything which leaves a mark. Drawing is a great way to look deeply into a subject or just to pass the time. It can take you away from the present and place you firmly in it at the same time. It is an expression of yourself - your thoughts, feelings, ideas and moods while being inexpensive and easily portable.

I would like to help you start your drawing journey or to move it to the next level!

Rhythm Realm Drumming Morning sessions

0 - 5yrs 9.00am - 9.30am

0 - 5yrs 9.30am - 10.00am

5 - 10yrs 10am - 11am

0 - 24yrs 11am - 12.30pm



Afternoon session

0 - 24yrs

1.00pm - 2.30pm



About Kaya Kaya Boom is a multi-instrumentalist and seasoned performer having played at festivals all over Australia such as Falls, Woodford, and Sydney Festival. He has been a passionate drum teacher for over 22 years, teaching community classes, school groups, workshops and one-onone lessons. Kaya has a patient, caring and sensitive teaching style that is inclusive of all abilities. He is a master drummer with a unique ability to explain and breakdown rhythms, making them accessible to everyone. He facilitates drum groups that are well-balanced, respectful and non-judgemental.

We aim to witness and nurture the magic of life and put a sparkle in the corner of your eyes. We want to lift the vibration of people, communities and the quality of our daily practices with the universal language of music.

Martial Art sessions with Macleay Valley Martial Arts Morning sessions

5 to 10 years 9am to 10am

10 to 13 years 10.30am to 11.30am



Afternoon sessions

13 to 16 years 12.30pm to 1.30pm

16 years plus 2.00pm to 3.00pm

About Glenn Stewart - Head Coach Glenn has thirty years martial arts experience, as well as experience in the health and fitness industries. Having gained 4th Dan Black Belt in Kempo Karate as well as 4th Dan Jujutsu (Japanese based Jujutsu) Glenn has spent most of his life training and practicing the martial arts.

This program is based around the art of Brazilian Jiujitsu to develop some fundamental skills whilst expressing the ideals of resilience, perseverance and self-confidence. Brazilian Jiujitsu is a grappling based martial art and one of the fastest growing sports in the world. We practice throws and takedowns as well as a variety of pins and submission holds to control an opponent. Fast, dynamic and fun it’s a great competitive sport with a healthy lifestyle attached! Our session will cover some of the basics of this unique martial art.

Emma Gentle Butterfly Art Take Flight A workshop focusing on creativity, symbolism and working both individually and collectively.

Morning Workshop 9.30am - 11.30am Afternoon Workshop 1pm - 3pm

About Emma Gentle Emergence is explained as the process of becoming visible, after being concealed or coming into existence or prominence. The cocoon and butterflies represent the transformation we experience when we emerge from one place to find another. The cocoon can symbolise a place of safety, a place of discomfort, lockdown, our homeland, family, school etc. The butterflies will represent the person making them. We will use our imaginations and let our creativity lead us. No art skills necessary, just an open mind and willingness to engage creatively Collectively build a large cocoon with a range of building and art materials, then add individually decorated paper butterflies that emerge from the cocoon's center. The end artwork will be displayed at the Macleay Options Retail Outlet.

Emma is a practicing art therapist working with children and young people affected by disasters; pre-school children and young people with complex trauma backgrounds; and people with mild, and complex support requirements. Her previous work predominantly concentrated on using art as a tool to improve the mental health of children and young people and families in Australia, UK and Mexico.

Creative Phone Photography

Morning sessions

Afternoon session

9am - 10.30am

1pm to 3pm





11am to 12.30pm



Scheherezade Photography

About Sharon Lamb I am a professional light painting photographer. I also do Black & White Portraiture and conduct a wide variety of workshops out of my studio located in the Gladstone Hub. Over the last 3years I have worked with Kempsey Shire Council offering photography workshops in a Creative Recovery protocol to help our communities reconnect and heal after our devastating fires and floods. During these Creative Phone Photography workshops we will be taking multiple photos and combining them in as many weird and creative ways as your mind can think up. We will have lots of fun using props including skulls, hats and broken mirror pieces to name a few. You are encouraged to bring in photos of pets or friends and family to create something truly memorable. Sessions will be fun, interactive and interesting.

Bring your phone fully charged and download the Snapseed app prior to attending workshop.

PONY WORKSHOP RDA (NSW) is a volunteer organisation providing equine assisted activities for people with disabilities to develop and enhance abilities. During this workshop you will enjoy time grooming, dressing up and leading a Shetland pony with assistance.

For safety reasons it is essential you wear covered footwear.

Saturday 13th only Morning sessions

Afternoon sessions

9am - 9:30am 9:30am - 10am 10am - 10:30am 10:30am - 11am 11am - 11:30am 11:30am - 12nn 12nn - 12:30pm

1pm - 1:30pm 1:30pm - 2pm 2pm - 2:30pm 2:30pm - 3pm

Exhibiting 27th May only 9am to 3pm We are a family owned and operated business consisting of myself (Jody), my husband (Peter) and our two children (Emily and Josh). Emily and I have been running a mobile petting zoo for a little while now.

Our mobile menagerie consists of rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducklings and bottle-fed babies.

Creating Healthy Minds Workshop

Available all day Sat 13th May. Drop in and say hi to Annette and create a glitter jar. Who we are ... headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. We began in 2006, and ever since we’ve provided early intervention mental health services to 12-25year olds. Each year, we help thousands of young people, and their family and friends, access to vital support through our headspace services in over 154 communities [1] across Australia, our online and phone counselling services, our vocational services, and our presence in schools. [1] As at December 2022 and inclusive of licensed headspace centres, satellites and outposts



headspace Kempsey is operated by Samaritans Foundation on Dunghutti land.

What we do... We support young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drug services, as well as work and study support. With a focus on early intervention, we work with young people to provide support at a crucial time in their lives – to help get them back on track and strengthen their ability to manage their mental health in the future.

In everything we do, we aim to meet the evolving and unique needs of young people and those who support them. That’s why our youth reference groups are at the heart of our work, and they play an active role in designing, developing and evaluating our programs.

headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation is funded by the Australian Government. headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation Ltd is a health promotion charity that has been endorsed as a deductible gift recipient. ABN 26 137 533 843

© headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation Ltd 2023.

CREATING HEALTHY MINDS WORKSHOP with Suzanne Green Available all day Saturday 27th May

For the past 18 years I have worked within the community as a case worker, mental health clinician and mindfulness teacher. My focus lays in mental health and well-being. I particularly like to teach and allow personal acknowledgement and awareness of one's development and inner strength.



You are most welcome to drop in to my workshop any time during the day. I will be offering self-care print outs, mindfulness activities, craft creations e.g. leaf art and gratitude activities.

Reptile Exhibit by

We will be exhibiting reptiles and holding shows throughout the day.

Meet Stuart and Alicia from

Reptile Solutions Located on the beautiful NSW Mid North Coast, Reptile Solutions is a family owned and operated business, providing reptile education to promote awareness of these unusual and unique animals. Stuart and Alicia are ambassadors for wildlife conservation and strive to make wildlife conservation fun and exciting through touching, feeling and seeing animals up close. They hope this will inspire all people to want to help wildlife in their natural habitat and protect them for future generations.

Tie Dying workshop with Threads Morning Session 9am - 10am 10am - 11am 11am - 12noon

Afternoon Session 1pm - 2pm Order your T - shirt size when booking into your workshop session. Dyed shirts will need to be washed and air dried when you get home.

Come in old clothes that won't care if you splash a bit of dye on them!

THREADS An industry of Macleay Options Ltd

Threads specialises in providing bulk and personalised gifts and keepsakes. We are proficient in hand making a wide variety of bags that we provide to farmers markets and schools. In recent months we have branched into offering a wider range of products including unique and meaningful gifts that honor your loved ones. Our Threads team produces:​ Hand poured Soy Wax Candles Bath Bombs and Salts Natural Soap Blends Custom Engraved Wooden Gifts & Homewares Custom One-off & Bulk Fabric Goods Merchandising Bags and Conference Bags Promotional Merchandise and Giftware Macadamia nut products Jerky! Seasonal treats! And So Much More!

The Macleay Options Story Macleay Options Ltd. is a not-for-profit organisation providing meaningful opportunities for adults living with a disability by offering a variety of quality services which will promote independence and community participation through employment options for supported employees, day activities and support at home.

Our range of industries include: ​



Mowhawks - Lawn & Garden Maintenance Woodies - Handcrafted Hardwood & Recycled Furniture, Garden Stakes, Car Washing, Survey Pegs Threads - Digital Fabric Printing, Calico & Conference Bags, Cushions, Wall Art, Banners Retail Outlet on Elbow St, West Kempsey.

Our range of services include: Co-ordination of Supports NDIS Plan Management Oasis Hub - Day Centre and Activities Supported Employment - Work with our various Industries DIS - Drop-in Support, Day Outing and Short Holidays SDA - Specialist Disability Accommodation SLES - School Leavers Employment Support Program

Scouts Australia NSW provides young Aussies aged 5 to 25 with fun and challenging opportunities to grow through adventure. Drop into the Scout tent and learn all about the exciting outdoor adventures Scouting has to offer. Pre-registration not necessary.

Marquees kindly supplied by: Kempsey Toyota Regional Australia Bank Kempsey Shire Council Macleay Valley Business Chamber Rotary Club of Kempsey Headspace

Water Cooler Station provided by: This NSW Children & Young People Wellbeing & Recovery Initiative is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the NSW Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

Macleay Options Ltd. acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Land we work on as the first peoples of the country.