Students spread anti-bullying message

An inspiring, anti-bullying street art exhibition created by Bayside primary school students is on display throughout Bayside.

Local artist Noni Drew has led workshops with 100 grade five students who each created graphic slogans against bullying, culminating in a street exhibition of decals across Bayside from 5 February until 18 March 2024.

Now in its eleventh year, the Upstanders program connects with schools to upskill their knowledge on social and emotional learning and exercise their creative talents in spreading positive messages throughout the community.

This year students were challenged to take their message to the broader Bayside community beyond their own schools by producing anti-bullying slogans that have become graphic footpath decals in each of the major shopping districts.

Bayside Mayor, Cr Fiona Stitfold said: “These creative works are aimed at inspiring the students and our community to speak up and support one another.

“It is important we encourage values such as kindness, integrity, respect and fairness and put them into practise.”

Schools involved in the project include Beaumaris Primary School, Brighton Beach Primary School, Hampton Primary School, Sandringham Primary School, and Sandringham East Primary School.

The decals will be installed in multiple locations in each of the major activity centres including Martin Street, Church Street, and Bay Street in Brighton, Sandringham Village, Highett, Hampton Street, Beaumaris Concourse, and Black Rock Village.

A sampling of the artworks created by these talented students will be on display at the Bayside Corporate Centre, 76 Royal Avenue Sandringham.