Georges River Council has launched the Echoes in Clay: Storytelling and Belonging project with Advance Diversity Services.
During Harmony Week 2025, Hurstville Museum and Gallery hosted three art workshops. Community members were invited to share their stories by answering these questions:
- Is there a special place in the Georges River area that holds a meaningful memory for you?
- Can you tell us about a positive interaction with another community member?
Participants made unique clay artworks to tell their stories. Some gifted their pieces to randomly selected community members as an act of kindness and a way to share their stories.
A photograph of each artwork has been added to this digital album. This collection will inspire others to share their stories and promote kindness in the community.
Please feel free to share your own story. Remember, even small acts of kindness can have a positive impact on others. Submit your story and artwork to communitycapacitybuilding@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.
The stories behind the artwork
Aline
Date: 19/03/2025
Special Place: Cronulla Beach
I’ve been in Australia for 7 years, but this last year in Cronulla has been really special. A place of healing after so many challenges, people are very friendly and welcoming. Looking to the ocean and the waves make me feel very grateful for being here, it connects me with God the Creator of nature, the ocean, the waves, the trees. It helps me see the bright side of life and be grateful for life and remember how far I came.
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Amy
Date: 18/03/2025
Heartwarming thoughtfulness.
One of my students at public school, named an Aboriginal doll after me. Taught him art at school.
For our men, so what I want to make is a mini shield which is for protection in Aboriginal culture. And a mini coolamon to represent our strong women.
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Anonymous 1
Anonymous 2
Date: 19/03/2025
Georges River itself – the water/river. First time I travelled on this River by ferry was on Refugee Week event (GRC and ADS) in 2018 – I fell in love with the River and for 2 years afterwards organised an end-of-year party on the River!
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Anonymous 3
Date: 19/03/2025
Brighton-le-sands beach (Lady Robinson beach) where I was able to have my daily walks in solitude during the COVID era.
When I was new in Australia, I decided I want to make pizza, I went to Coles to buy the ingredients but could not remember what yeast is [in English]. I was strolling through the shop asking people what do I need to make bread, when an Arabic-speaking worker there helped me complete my shopping list for making dough. He was so kind and he always meets me with a smile every time I go to Coles.
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Cathy
Date: 19/03/2025
There is a park next to the oval stadium, which has a huge rain sheet covering it. There is a group of Chinese people dancing and exercise everyday. Some young people play tennis in the corner of the tennis playground. It’s an amazing place where people can interact with each other and do exercises together and some pet dogs are also playing there.
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Eugenia
Date: 19/03/2025
My home: I used to think that my best and most important memories were from my country until I returned and realised that I no longer belong there. But what gave me joy, peace of mind, and sense of gratitude and community, was my self-reflection come from a place of privilege because Australia gave me the opportunity to be a better person, a strong woman and a mother that allowed my daughters to be themselves not because of what they had but who they were.
My meaningful interaction was last September when I was able to forgive and forget my mother who for the first time, kissed me and hugged me, which meant a sense of peace and a beautiful way to move forward with my life.
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Fang
Date: 19/03/2025
I have been living in Australia for nearly twenty years. I met a person from Shandong, China, and she became my first friend here. She arrived in Australia earlier than I did.
When just arriving, I discovered how everything is different to China, especially in activities such as catching a public bus. This was because I didn’t know the roads and didn’t know that I needed to press the bus 'Stop' button before my stop. This ‘first friend’ took me on a Sydney bus to practice the routine. She taught me, through demonstration and hands-on practice. This helped me realise the friendliness of Australians. I let go of worries and discomfort. We soon became good friends who can discuss anything. A long time has passed between our meetings, and so I miss this first friend in Australia.
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Ievgeniia
Jenny
Jenny
Date: 19/03/2025
When I just arrived in Australia, I was unfamiliar with the roads, the language, and the surroundings. One day out exploring, I discovered I was lost. A local boy was willing to give me a hand. His kindness is the warmth firstly find in a foreign country. I was really impressed, and I hope my appreciation convey my sincerity. May good people have a good life.
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Jing
Date: 18/03/2025
There is a famous Chinese restaurant in the area, which is inside of the Returned Services (RSL) Club of Hurstville. When friends want to dine together, we congregate at this restaurant. We come from all over the Sydney area. The public transport system to get to the restaurant is convenient. The restaurant is spacious inside, and its food prices are reasonable. My friends like to come here.
One of my friends live in the Georges River area. This friend and I often work as volunteers. We learn together and encourage each other to give back to our society.
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Julie
Date: 19/03/2025
There is a place called Carss Bush Park in the St George precinct. On one occasion, I visited a one-hundred-year-old heritage building in this park. My trip had a long-lasting impression on me. There’s the beautiful scenery, the peace, and such characteristics highlight the building and its pleasant surroundings.
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Li Ping
Date: 18/03/2025
I came to Australia in 2017. In 2019, I encountered a huge life change at a low point when it seemed there was no hope. I met my lifesaver, Rorrie, a worker from the Asian Women at Work. She helped me through all kinds of difficulties at this low point. So, I want to say thanks for all the assistance that I have received from the Australian government and the various sectors.
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Maya
Date: 18/03/2025
I remember when I was young, my whole family would picnic in Carss Bush Park. We would play cricket on the grass, go swimming in the water and have so much fun. We would have a bbq and big lunch, spending most of the day. We made such great memories there, talking about them to this day.
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Penny
Date: 18/03/2025
I joined the singing and learning activities in the Senior Citizens Centre, on 91 Queens Road. This was my happiest day. Singing songs delight my body and mind and helps me find friends with the same interests. This adds fun to my retirement life.
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Tina
Date: 18/03/2025
The library is a place that I like to share. Recently, I joined a media lab tour. New services of the library were introduced in the tour. We can watch movies online at home using our library cards, borrow different musical instruments or digital devices or tools such as GoPro cameras, hire a meeting and study space. There are workshops, and information sessions on different topics for community information.
Original hand-written story – PDF.
Xexi
Date: 19/03/2025
Yesterday, I attended the Harmony Party at the Kogarah Storehouse. People from diverse communities had a memorable and meaningful time together. What touched me especially was the team of Asian hairdressers who provided free haircuts for elderly people. These hairdressers are warm, kind, and loving. They have the professional skills to care for hair. The charity activities convey the warmth of a Harmony Party. Thanks for everything, Kogarah Storehouse!
Original hand-written story – PDF.
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