NORTH SYDNEY COUNCIL
Media Release

Bound Together: new arrivals tell their stories

A new arts program, in which parents of young children who are new to North Sydney and Australia create their own storybooks, begins in North Sydney next month.

The program, run by North Sydney Council, Crows Nest Community Centre and Crows Nest TAFE aims to help newly arrived parents to Australia and North Sydney feel comfortable in their new part of the world.

North Sydney Mayor Genia McCaffery said many newcomers could experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. "This is especially so for parents with young children whose opportunities to get out and about and meet people are often restricted. The more we can do to help make new residents feel welcome and part of our community, the better."

The project, which begins on March 13, encourages newly arrived parents and children to meet other families and to build relationships and confidence through self-expression. Parents and children will be encouraged to create their own storybook, sharing their family stories and creating images for each of their books.

Writer and facilitator Belinda Nolan will guide parents and children through the process of writing and capturing their own stories. The books will be designed specifically for children aged five years and under, and all the activities during the workshops will be age appropriate.

All the sessions, free of charge and with all materials supplied, will take place at Crows Nest TAFE with the students from Child and Family Studies providing support to all participants. The project will also provide students with experience working directly with parents and children from diverse backgrounds as well as experience in a community arts and literacy program.

Parents and children will be able to share their stories with the wider community at Stanton Library later in the year.

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For more information:                   Communications 9936 8120