Create Art not War by Jackie Ly

"I really enjoy reading books, especially about war because the stories are always heartfelt. I drew flowers inside the book because its symbolises freedom, despite what the book is actually about. On the left is a flower trapped inside a light bulb symbolising the struggle of war, in contrast to the flowers withering away, showing freedom at last.”

Our Full Moon by Anniette Nguyen

“In my religion, Buddhism, we follow a specific calendar to know when to be vegetarian. It is always the first and fifteenth day of the month, or when it is a full moon.”

Yellow Flower by Trinh Phan

"Mum has planted many flowers in our garden and this is my favourite. I always see it when I leave the house. It makes me feel happy and lifts my mood."

Alone Time by Julinda Tong

”As a high school student, I find it quite difficult to find some quality time alone. Because of this, I really value and cherish the time I spend alone as it allows me to escape from reality. It also gives me a chance to re-collect my thoughts and reflect on my well-being.”

Sunset from a Moving Bus by Annie Cao

“On my way home from school I saw the sky and thought it was pretty and I admired it. Most of my days at school are boring so seeing the sky like that lightened up my day.”

Nature by Michelle Tang

“I love to travel and explore new places with my family. Every year, we have family outings. Last year we travelled 16 hours by car to see a new part of Australia, Adelaide. Adelaide is beautiful, and nature there is amazing.”

Train Tracks by Rita Pan

“These train tracks are beneath the bridge allowing trains to travel east towards Sydney. Trains usually appear when I’m crossing the bridge. It is a very peaceful place after a train has passed because it becomes very quiet. I enjoy the silence.”

A Thin Line by Vunida Khiev

“The meaning of life comes to mind whenever I see this picture. Each ring circling the boulder representing the process and patience you have with life. The rope symbolising a tightrope, indicating that even if you fall you would fall right back into those rings, into your designated path. Maybe your previous path could even be a bit jagged, hopefully leading to a new path.”

Poppy by Jasmine Guo

“My mum, little brother and I went to a shelter to adopt a cat and we named her Poppy after the flower that symbolises hope. She is like my daughter and is part of my family.”

Sunset Sky by Jennifer Ly

“I was studying when I took this photo. Watching the sky and sunset is a way for me to relax. The purple, pink and blue colours were a soothing sight compared to the pen and paper that I was focused on for hours. A time to take a break before getting trapped in stress.”

Me by Lily Truong

“I love to travel and explore different places with my friends and family. I love to go to beaches to just listen to waves crash on the shore as it is very relaxing.”

Railway Thoughts by Narunvimean Ly

“I tend to have negative thoughts a lot, however I’ve always tried my best to overcome them. “Stay alive because you matter”. That’s what people say but their actions show otherwise. We will never know where we are all going so it’s best to be curious about tomorrow. Live your life, because no one can live it better than you.”

Warm Skies by Jenny Vo

“The skies captivate my eyes on my way back home in the train, it makes me feel warm because I get to meet my friends and we all can enjoy the view of the sunset together.”

Inside Outside by Jessica Luu

“This is a view from my bedroom window. Although I want to explore the world, this photo shows me being more of an introvert, spending my time inside and alone. Using my room as a filter for the outside world.”