Celebrated Darwin artist renowned for his vibrant, street-art inspired paintings, Jimmy Bamble, will be delivering a youth wellness painting project – Brush with B4MBLE – in Katherine, Palmerston and Darwin as part of the NT Suicide Prevention Community Grants program.
Brush with B4MBLE is just one of 33 community projects set to take place across the Top End, East Arnhem, Big Rivers, Barkly and Central Australia in 2023-24.
The Territory Labor Government, in partnership with the Australian Government’s NT Primary Health Network, has awarded more than $400,000 in grant funding to empower non-government organisations and community members to deliver important suicide prevention projects.
From suicide prevention community events in Yirrkala, to an AFL Festival in Wadeye, the activities aim to build stronger communities, increase capacity to respond to and prevent suicidal behaviour, and address the stigma around suicide.
In the Barkly region, cultural activities and workshops will be held at the Ampilatwatja Health Centre and the school will be running the Ampilatwatja Strong Minds program.
Further down the track in Central Australia there are six community projects including a mental health initiative run by NT Cattleman’s Association and the Central Desert Regional council will be hosting suicide prevention training and workshops for the local community.
This is the sixth round of the NT Suicide Prevention Community Grants which has provided more than $1.4 million to increase suicide awareness as part of the NT Suicide Prevention Framework 2018-2023.
To learn more about the Northern Territory Suicide Prevention Strategy and funded activities in 2023 head to here
Quotes from Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Lauren Moss:
“We are committed to reducing suicide rates in the Northern Territory, and these grants are about building stronger communities by raising awareness and reducing stigma to ensure individuals seek help when they need to.
“Whether it’s building connections through sport, culture, education and community or developing skills in emotional resilience, we are working together to make Territorians and our communities feel safe and supported.”
Quotes from artist, Jimmy Bamble:
“Brush with B4MBLE interactive painting activities are about giving young people a creative outlet to express emotions and experiences in a supported environment, with the overarching goal to promote youth wellness.
“Art can increase self-esteem and confidence, with the free sessions integrating social and emotional learning while creating pieces of art that young people can be proud of.”
Northern Territory Government
