May is Family Violence Prevention Month 

The landslide Labor win and Liberal leadership angst are momentarily occupying the media landscape. However, we're not revisiting what has been discussed ad nauseam. What we will point out is that it took 7 women to die in 5 days from alleged family violence for each of the major parties to put forward their Domestic Violence Policy. As Kate Fitz-Gibbon pointed out in her article in The Conversation, neither offering told us how or when this much-needed support was coming. 

In May Big hART is joining Our Watch Australia and other organisations in discussing the importance of family and domestic violence prevention programs as a way forward through the This is Prevention campaign. Our National Producers Genevieve & Sophia are speaking at the ANROWS Conference themed "Centering children and young people to end violence" - https://www.anrows.org.au/anrows-conference-2025/ on 14-16 May.

Long-term solutions have to involve prevention and early intervention programs for children and young people as shown in ANROWS research and pilot programs as well as asserting that solutions are more effective when young people are involved in design and delivery. Read more here...

Over 10 years, Big hART's Project O used art as a method to engage young people in family violence prevention. This will be featured in a documentary later this year, unpacking what prevention can look like, how young people can be involved in change, and the impact of creating positive spaces for young people to practice respect and connection. We aim to harness the power of the young people's stories to lobby our governments to channel funding into programs that prevent long-term harm, address the fact that children are often victim-survivors, as well as confront the crisis that is occurring now. 

Punkaliyarra development activities, WA

Support Big hART Before June 30 – Your Gift Creates Change

As tax time approaches, we invite you to support Big hART’s work with a tax-deductible donation. For over 30 years, Big hART has created award-winning art and storytelling with communities experiencing disadvantage—amplifying voices, building skills, and fostering real social change.

Your donation helps us run creative programs in remote towns, with young people, First Nations communities, and those facing structural inequality. Whether it’s mentoring a teenager in digital storytelling or producing a new theatre work in regional Australia, your support makes it possible.

Big hART is a registered charity, and all donations over $2 are tax-deductible. With your help, we can continue to champion dignity, justice, and hope—through the power of art.

Donate before June 30 to make your impact count.

Thank you for standing with us.

Note: Please note data infographic is not exhaustive but shares some organisational highlights from the period specified.

Watershed staff and young people after a successful supper event.

Watershed Lease Update

It is with mixed emotions that we share that Waratah-Wynyard Council has chosen not to renew Big hART's lease on the beautiful Watershed space on the banks of the Inglis River.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, especially our dedicated young people who became irreplaceable members of our tribe, demonstrating dedication and heart at every juncture as they grew in competence and confidence inside the Watershed programs. Thank you to Wynyard High School Tasmania for their support and leaning into our youth programs and initiatives.

Whilst we may be leaving the building, our commitment to the North West Tas community and the growth and possibilities of investing in our young people remains unwavering.

The final music session with Aaron Hopper with be on Tuesday 20th May and the last Storytime with Rachel will take place on Thursday 22nd May.

Our last day at Watershed will be Thursday 22nd May, till then if you see the doors open feel free to drop in for cuppa and let us know about your experiences at the Watershed.