Dandenong Drug Court presents artwork

On Monday 21 May, the Dandenong Drug Court team hosted an event to hand over a piece of exceptional artwork to Motorcyclists Advocating Child Empowerment (MACE). 

The artwork was by Dandenong Drug Court participants completing their court sanctions with the weekly Art Attack therapy program. The Art Attack program is delivered by Living and Learning Pakenham under the patient facilitator Rob Matheson. The framing of the artwork was by members of the Cardinia Men’s Shed.

The handover event, in partnership with the South East Metropolitan Region Community Work team, showcased agency collaboration in the region. It commenced with Magistrate Bryant providing an overview of the Drug Court which is celebrating it’s 17 year in operation at Dandenong Magistrates' Court. Operations Manager Cherise Donovan acknowledged the hard work to achieve such a phenomenal outcome. This was followed by a moving speech from one of the current participants outlining how the Drug Court has changed his life with emphasis on how Drug Court staff have been there for him “since day one”.

The painting was officially handed over to the Motorcyclists Advocating Child Empowerment (MACE), a social motorcycle group whose objectives are to empower children who are affected by sexual, physical and emotional group. The organisation, compiled of nurses, teachers and other professionals, provide advocacy to those vulnerable children in the community. MACE South East Chapter are also looking to expand into a specialist anti-bullying program attending primary schools and talking to students about the harms of bullying. The painting will be auctioned off to raise more money for the organisation to be able to continue their important work.

The event ended with a delicious spread of baked goods for the Biggest Afternoon Tea, raising much needed funds for the Cancer Council.