Local teens have been given a chance to put their own unique stamp on the future Byford Health Hub.
The East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS), which has been tasked with engaging the community and delivering the vital project, recently entrusted Perth-based community artist Olivia Robinson (Art Works By Liv) to work with Year 9 and 10 students from Byford Secondary College and Salvado Catholic College.
Together they explored what Byford, and what ‘health’ meant to them through a range of mediums.
“We really wanted to hear the views of the future users of the Hub,” EMHS Executive Director Neil Cowan said.
“East’s multi-media design team has photographed each of the works and is in the process of creating digital graphic designs for incorporating in the design process for the Hub’s branding and promotional material – to give it a true identity, reflective of the views of the youth of today.
“We anticipate this community engagement through the arts is the first of many opportunities.”
A selection of the best artworks is currently being exhibited outside Coles.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to see what our kids can do,” Byford Secondary College Principal Paul Jones said.
“Sometimes society tends to focus on the negative, rather than see what amazing things our young people are truly capable of.”
The Examiner took the chance to meet the artists in person at the official exhibition launch on Tuesday afternoon. For most, this is the first time their creativity had been displayed so publicly.
“It was a little nerve-wracking before the launch, but now it’s out there I’m honestly so proud,” Aaliyah Loller said.
The artworks showcase a diverse collection of ideas and techniques, but there are two clear themes that resonate throughout the exhibition: many students feel a deep connection to Byford’s natural heritage; and the primary health concern amongst the young artists is mental illness and suicide.
This last aspect is confronting, but not surprising.
Data from the ABS revealed that between 2020 and 2022, young people were twice as likely as adults to be suffering from mental illness.
And according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, suicide is still the leading cause of death amongst Australia’s youth.
Mackenzie Pilkington’s world has already been scarred by the suicide of others. She often uses her art as an outlet.
“There are so many teenagers in Byford, and mental health is a big part of our lives,” she said.
“A lot of people my age see life in black and white – through a lens of depression.
“But I wanted to use colour in my artwork – because life is beautiful. It’s about encouraging people to change their perspective – if you look hard enough, life is actually full of colour.”
Rather than ignore the elephant in the room, community artist Liv Robinson helped guide the students’ work through these big feelings.
“I have lived experience with mental health struggles in my teens, and art saved my life,” Liv said.
“Being able to help people, who I see as a younger version of myself, and to be able to empower them is such a wonderful gift.
“A lot of the time people think they’re not good enough [to be an artist]. But art is all about having fun, having a healthy distraction, and expressing yourself.”
The artworks will remain on display in the Byford Village foyer until Monday.
Photographs – Richard Polden
