Wollongong’s Crown Street Mall has a brand new look with the instalment of The Joyful Project exhibition that is sure to have you smiling from ear-to-ear.
The Joyful Project is a free outdoor photography exhibition at Crown Street Mall that showcases the everyday moments that bring happiness to Wollongong locals.
“Earlier this year, we asked community members to submit a photo that captures a moment of joy. As we head into the Christmas season, these images are now on display on the eight outdoor exhibition blocks located throughout the Mall. They’ll remain in place until the end of January 2022,” Wollongong City Council said in a statement.
“For many people, bringing a smile on someone else’s face creates joy. For 10-year-old Austin Jackson, this was his motivation when home-schooling was in full swing. He had created excitement for his community and fellow classmates by painting a collection of ‘kindness rocks’ that he hid around Balgownie and Fairy Meadow. It’s images of his creativity that he shared as part of The Joyful Project.“
“What I loved about [the project] was I got to spread kindness to the people who found the rocks that I made for the community,” Austin says.
His creative skills shone through this joyous project, painting ladybugs, minions, strawberries, teenage mutant ninja turtles and more. With 20 personalised rocks to be found, he shared daily videos with clues, and even added a sweet chocolate prize.
When asked what he liked about living in Wollongong he said, “Because of the kindness in the community and the beautiful surroundings of beaches and escarpments.”
Wollongong City Council’s Acting Director of Community Services, Lucielle Power said it was heart-warming to see the lovely expressions of joy in the Mall and thanked the community for sharing their personal connection to joy.
“When we asked for photos for this project it was during lockdown, so many of the images express our community’s resilience and how they kept smiling through such difficult times. I’m grateful that our locals were able to share this with us,” she said.
“I encourage our community to take a stroll through the Mall as the Joyful Project represents all the different real-life moments that spark joy. For Austin, it was providing unity for his community through a fun and colourful project.
“But more often than not, we’re shown that joy stems from simple things like going for an outdoor walk, helping your parents bake a cake, enjoying a morning coffee from your local café, singing car karaoke, or calling a loved one.”
For University student, Jessica Sadler, joy was found in Wollongong’s outdoor playground that is nestled between the seas and mountains. Jessica shared a candid photo of one of her hikes for the project.
“Being able to explore this gorgeous landscape and spend time outdoors with people close to me fills me with gratitude and appreciation of this beautiful life,” Jessica said.
Like many, lockdown proved to be a barrier for Jessica in seeing her loved ones. But she will be looking at enjoying life outside of the house in 2022, as she plans to reconnect with family and friends at gigs, art shows, museums and bars.
“When you’re involving yourself so deeply in people you’re inspired by, and environments that inspire you, life becomes so fulfilling,” she said.
Hence, it’s no surprise when she expressed her favourite thing about Wollongong is the community, “No matter what your hobby or passion, there is always going to be an amazing group of people waiting there for you to engage and get involved with,” she said.
You can check out Austin’s rock project and Jessica’s nature shot as part of The Joyful Project, located at Crown Street Mall. It will be staying for the warmer months so make sure you soak up the sun while walking through.
For further information about The Joyful Project and to read more about Austin and Jessica entries, visit the Wollongong CBD website.
