Led by the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project in collaboration with Greater Shepparton City Council and Berry Street School, the initiative honours colleague, youth mentor and friend Bella Ainsworth, who passed away from cancer in July 2024 at the age of 30.
The six vibrant stickers build on a wellbeing campaign first launched during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when the same organisations came together to promote mental and emotional health.
The campaign began on what would have been Bella’s 31st birthday, March 11.
Bella, a key member of the original team, worked alongside colleagues to co-design a project that encouraged practices such as gratitude, empathy and mindfulness.
The result was a series of over 150 decals installed on pavements across the region, helping the community incorporate positive thinking into their daily life.
“The first pavement stickers played a key role in spreading kindness and promoting wellbeing across the community — and it’s fitting that this new campaign continues that legacy in honour of Bella, who embodied those very values,” leader of wellbeing at Berry Street School and a contributor to both campaigns Troy Snelling said.
Lighthouse executive officer Amy Robinson, who has also worked on both projects, shared the same sentiment.
“Bella brought both professionalism and heart to her work, always putting community — particularly young people — at the centre,” Ms Robinson said.
“For those who knew her, Bella is widely remembered for her sense of fun, her energy and her signature quality of kindness.”
Since the campaign launched, the Lighthouse team has delivered a range of activities inspired by Bella’s values.
These include a flower workshop and the gifting of 40 pamper packs to mums at Family Haven, the distribution of 50 coffee vouchers to community members and the sharing of 10 Museum of Vehicle Evolution and 20 Fun Planet vouchers with local young people.
Bella’s husband, Mitch Barrett, their son Saf, and her father, Garry Ainsworth, have been closely involved, attending and supporting activities throughout.
Ms Robinson said the Lighthouse team was honoured to carry Bella’s legacy forward and welcomed community participation.
To find out more or speak with someone from the Lighthouse team, contact Amy Robinson at arobinson@gslp.com.au
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