Moira Shire local Nicole Wells is creating spaces where regional communities can connect creatively.
Photo by
Abby Green
“Building stronger, more connected communities.”
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
That’s the tag line behind Cultivate Community, an initiative started by Moira Shire local Nicole Wells after she saw a lack of creative spaces for people living in regional areas.
Nicole has lived in many different places but said she really enjoyed living in small country towns ― she lives in Waaia but spends most of her time in Numurkah.
“I've been working supporting the community for so many years ― I know that this space is lacking, people are telling me this space is lacking,” she said.
“So rather than just sitting back and waiting for it to happen, I thought ‘I need to actually get out there and make it work.’”
Nicole said the initiative was about more than simply learning a new craft or picking up a new hobby.
It is about strengthening connections between people and providing spaces where people can come together ― a creative space they can go outside of work and home.
Nicole has previously run basket weaving workshops through her initiative ‘Cultivate Community’.
Photo by
Supplied
“The name, Cultivate Community, comes from me wanting to cultivate spaces within the community that people feel like they are seen and valued for who they are, regardless of their walk of life,” Nicole said.
“I have conversations with people all the time that feel the same way that there’s not much to do for people who are creative around our area where they can feel like they belong, so I would really love to be able to provide that.”
Nicole said the workshops were for everybody, but particularly parents and people who felt like they were not really finding a place for themselves.
The workshops are also open to people who simply want to come along and be around other people; they don’t have to engage in the activity and can bring their own projects.
“It's about helping people to build skills, but also share their own skills, so I’m inviting people in to share their skills as well,” Nicole said.
“Anything that’s different and interesting and not what people would normally see in the area, I’m really open to people giving me their ideas and then finding people who can do those things.”
Needle felted gum blossoms are made at one of the workshops run through the initiative.
Photo by
Supplied
Past workshops have included basket weaving, crochet, needle felting, wet felting and junk journaling, with an upcoming workshop set to teach people how to change a tyre.
Nicole is also exploring different workshops, from singing and baking to cake decorating, preserve making and propagating plants ― for her, the possibilities are endless.
“I'd love to make sure that I’m helping to provide opportunities for people to do things and that they’re paid opportunities as well,” she said.
“I would love people to contact me to teach what they know. So if they think they have a skill that other people might want to learn, then come and let’s see if we can make it happen.
“If you’re looking for something to help improve your wellbeing, being creative and doing stuff with your hands is such an incredible way to do that.”
17°C