About Us
Learn who we are
Introducing
Our Founders
Many years ago, our founders Barb and Clive Holden recognised a need in the community for a place where people could access low-cost activities and enjoy benefits both creative and therapeutic. Initially art classes were conducted in their own home. Due to their personal interest, talents and drive Coolum HeARTs Inc is the group it is today – a safe, supported, friendly environment for anyone who is new to the area and wants to make friends, learn new skills and those suffering from illness, disability or social disconnection.
Meet the Founders
Barb and Clive Holden
Meet the Committee
Lindsay Boreham, Viviene Collins, Valerie Irwin, Jamie Hall, David Trow, Diane Garland
Our Participants
Mindblowing stats
Since Established
Years History
Participants in classes
Works of art created
Meet Our
Our Founders
Coolum HeARTs – All began in 2013
Over ten years ago, Barb and Clive Holden recognised a need in
the community for a place where people could access low-cost
activities and enjoy benefits both creative and therapeutic.
Initially art classes were conducted in their own home.
Due to their personal interest, talents and drive Coolum HeARTs
Inc is the group it is today – a safe, supported, friendly
environment for anyone who is new to the area and wants to
make friends, learn new skills and those suffering from illness,
disability or social disconnection.
Both Clive and Barb are still very active members of Coolum
HeART’s were we have an active and enthusiastic committee
determined to raise community support, interest and awareness
in our activities. Our committee is comprised of volunteers who
are involved in the day-to-day running of the HeARTs including a
governance structure that will guarantee sustainability and
viability of the entity into the future.
The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.
Meet the
Coolum Hearts Committee
Our Founders and Committee, share the Vision to provide affordable access to arts, music and lifestyle activities for all members of our community, especially those living with significant challenges.
We have an active and enthusiastic committee determined to raise community support, interest and awareness in our activities. Our management committee is comprised of volunteers involved in the day-to-day running of the HeARTs including a governance structure that will guarantee sustainability and viability of the entity into the future. Sub committees coordinate fundraisers and events such as raffles, participating in fun days, Barefoot Bowls, Trivia Nights and our annual concert for Mental Health Week – “Sing Out” showcasing our singers, drummers, and ukulele groups as well as talented school children and local artists. We appreciate the support of local business, other community organisations and local political members.
Introducing
Our Participants
Our participants come to us individually, may hear about us through a friends or newspaper article or are referred to us through medical practitioners or agencies. We have a very diverse clientele who enjoy mixing with others and learning a new skill. Some come for diversional therapy – being able to forget their troubles and pain for a while. Some are interested in how they can help and become volunteers, enriching their lives and others.
Hear what our participants are saying:
I have been coming for twelve months and have discovered so much about myself and my ability to create, it is just wonderful. One of the huge benefits for me personally is that I suffer a great deal of pain from rheumatoid arthritis and lupus and spending time being creative helps me put the pain to one side and focus on something else, which builds me up and broadens my horizons.
I am no longer lonely, isolated and depressed so much.
These classes have changed my life.
I enjoy not having to think about anything but painting. Peace and solace for two and a half hours.
I love Coolum HeARTs because it has given me lots of friends, a chance to sing my heart out for myself and others and to continue painting to express myself. I can be myself when I am at Coolum heARTs.
I love the company of people that lift me up. My painting has improved so much. I already have changed from inside because of this art work and the kindness of the organiser. I’m much happier and have improved my confidence in all areas.
Coolum HeARTs has been my salvation. Being part of the choir has enabled me to forget for a while the thoughts in my head and to enjoy the friendship of the group. Where I would be without the I’m Still Standing Choir I would not care to consider.