Painted rocks unite grieving hearts

With two rocks laid initially, members of the Echuca Moama Suicide Support Group decided to hold a painting session, adding six more to the memorial’s number.

By mid-October, there were around 15 in total, some decorated with messages of remembrance.

Group member and local artist Debra Kaminski (Emanuelli) led the initiative, which was sparked by an idea from fellow member William Young.

Mrs Kaminski offered up her art supplies and skills, while Mr Young organised the rocks for members, which the group placed at the tree together once painted.

“Sometimes I go for a walk to the tree, and I just stand there quietly. It gives me comfort to see the rocks and feel like we’re united,” Mrs Kaminski said.

“Even though it’s a sad unification, it gives people comfort to know that there’s other people going through the same thing.”

Mrs Kaminski’s son, Kristian, died by suicide in June 2022.

After a period of acute grief, she joined the newly established support group, which was started by Catherine Power in early 2023.

The group proved to be extremely helpful in her mourning, and Mrs Kaminski described Ms Power as having a “loving heart”.

“We don’t talk a lot about grief — we’re just there for each other,” she said.

“People might come along to the group and they don’t want to say anything, but they know that they’re in company with people that are feeling the same as you.”

Mrs Kaminski also credits keeping busy, particularly making jewellery, sculpting and with a new casual role as a cleaner, as helping to keep her attention from grieving.

Having studied painting privately for 13 years, Mrs Kaminski is yet to return to a regular practice, although the rock dedicated to her son does feature a painted guitar.

Kristian was a talented musician, playing lead guitar and singing in a band before he passed.

The grief has changed the way Mrs Kaminski thinks, but has also introduced her to a caring community, with new friends as far flung as New Zealand.

In some ways, it has also acted as a motivating force.

“I just feel Kristian would want me to live now, and sometimes I think, I’m going to do it for you,” Mrs Kaminski said.

“I’m going to do different things, not just stay at home and do nothing. I’m going to get out there and live like he would have wanted.”

Members of the Echuca Moama Suicide Support Group encourage anyone in the community to contribute a rock to the blue tree.

Those interested in joining the group, which has monthly dinner meetings, will be met with compassion and kindness.

To find out more, visit the group’s Facebook page at tinyurl.com/3yan7vd7

• If you or someone you know is suicidal, contact Beyond Blue by phoning 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 for support, or 000 in an emergency.