Maroondah Moments photography project: capturing a moment in time

While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our everyday lives and mental wellbeing, it has also brought into clearer focus the things we are grateful for.

Small pleasures previously taken for granted like sitting down to a coffee at a local café, dining out with friends and family get-togethers are appreciated now more than ever.

As part of the Be Kind Maroondah initiative, Council is inviting the community to join our Maroondah Moments photography project by taking a photo of the people, things and places that make you feel happy and sharing them with us via Facebook or Instagram by tagging #MaroondahMoments.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Kylie Spears said the project was developed as a way of helping our community express themselves creatively and to encourage a positive focus and reimagining of the world around them.

“We are asking the Maroondah community to share their creative responses through photos of things they are grateful for. This could be sharing something that brings you joy or makes you smile, something special in your life or that you are thankful for, or something that you do for fun. The hashtag #MaroondahMoments will be used to connect these photos to our project and will also help to inspire others,” Cr Spears said.

Gratitude is known to have a positive effect on mental wellbeing.

According to headspace, the non-profit organisation for youth mental health established by the Australian Government, gratitude helps to reduce anger and increase empathy, makes you more appreciative of what you have and can enhance feelings of happiness. It can also help you resist negative drug and alcohol use and unhealthy eating habits.

“There is also extensive research on the benefits of engagement in the arts for improving mental health. The arts provide a vehicle for expressing emotions, promoting wellbeing and experiencing joy,” Cr Spears said.

A recent research project has estimated people need at least two hours a week of arts engagement for good mental wellbeing. This could range from active involvement like participating, performing and creating art to simply attending, listening or viewing art.

“COVID-19 has had an impact on mental wellbeing, but also in gratitude and perspective.

Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships,” Cr Spears added.

The Maroondah Moments photography project forms part of our Be Kind Maroondah campaign which is aimed at promoting kindness and goodwill and building the resilience of our community.

To share your photo, jump onto our Facebook page and add your photo or tag us in with #Maroondahmoments on Instagram.

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