This June: Let’s bridge the empathy gap. Learn how we can support PTSD recovery, uplift youth voices, and stand by our most vulnerable.
With the recent unprecedented flooding in the Mid-North Coast of NSW, many local residents have described the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime horror. One mother, stranded with her two-year-old and husband on their rooftop at 1 a.m., recounted to a TV reporter how rapidly the water had risen. The interview took place at 7:30 a.m.—just imagine the fear they endured during those long hours in the dark, uncertain if help would come. Thankfully, following the nationwide coverage, rescue crews arrived shortly afterward.
While the Australian Defence Force has been supporting the clean-up efforts, a pressing question remains: will there be enough mental health support for those affected by this disaster?
Meanwhile, in the southern parts of Australia, farmers are grappling with an unprecedented drought. One farmer interviewed by the ABC remarked that flood victims often receive more public empathy, yet the devastation caused by drought is equally unimaginable.
A close friend of mine in Wingham lost power for 48 hours. While life appears to have returned to ‘normal’ after the floodwaters receded, the emotional toll lingers. Will life truly be restored? Or will residents live in quiet anxiety, wondering when the next flood will strike?
This PTSD Awareness Month, it’s important to acknowledge the hidden mental scars left by natural disasters and ongoing environmental stressors.
Recent neuroscience research is helping us better understand how trauma physically impacts the brain. A summary in Psychology Today highlights how PTSD affects three key brain regions:
- The amygdala, which triggers fear responses, becomes hyperactive.
- The hippocampus, responsible for memory processing, often shrinks, leading to vivid or fragmented memories.
- The prefrontal cortex, which helps us regulate emotions, tends to be underactive, making it harder to manage anxiety and fear.
These findings explain why PTSD isn’t just an emotional reaction—it’s a condition with real changes in how the brain works. Understanding this helps reduce stigma and opens the door to better treatment, including trauma-focused therapies like EMDR and CBT.
Whether someone’s trauma stems from war, abuse, or climate-related disasters, what they need most is not judgment—but empathy, support, and access to care.
Please check in with loved ones and friends—offer emotional or practical support. Sometimes, a simple conversation can make all the difference.
Here are some helpful hotlines you can share:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
- Mental Health Line (NSW Health) – 1800 011 511
- Rural Aid Counselling Services – 1300 175 594
Together, let’s be part of the healing—by learning, listening, and showing up for those quietly carrying the weight of trauma.
Reflecting on past events
Photos from our Mindfulness Botanical Painting Workshop Chatswood Youth Centre. We revisited some mindfulness technique for painting roses and ‘colour bombs’. Be inspired by how focus were the participants and their creative masterpieces!
Photo credits: Aubrey and Gina
Eve of Mother’s Day Pop-up Stall
(photo credits – Gina & Aubrey )
WHAT’S ON in June & July 2025?
Youth Mentoring Program
Dr Bibiana Chan, CF, and other CFS members in various professions are available to mentor young people, share their work experiences. Topics covered: study skills, time management, goal setting, getting motivated, write a resume that stands out of the crowd, job interviewing skills and assertive communication, etc.
If would like to refer any young people (12 – 30 year) whom you recently started a ‘RUOK?’ conversation to our FREE Youth Mental Health Program, please contact Dr Bibi via email: communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com or call 0412-613-073. This program is taking a s summer break until 5th Feb 2025. Check out KYDS (Free Youth Mental Counselling) for their services.
PTSD Awareness Month Pop-up Stall on Sat 14th June
Come and celebrate PTSD Awareness Month Pop-up Stall! Pot plants will be handed out to a passers-by to ‘petal-it-forward’ to someone who may experience a recent extreme weather event or requiring a lift for their mood. Find us at the corner of Willoughby Rd and French’s Rd (outside Little Giant Roaster Cafe). Come and meet our friendly volunteers and talk about the health benefits of receiving (and giving) flowers .
Laughter Yoga Spring and Autumn Program
The first class the 2025 Laughter Yoga Spring Program is scheduled for Tues, 25th March to coincide with Harmony Month. (see the photos below). The final two classes are Tues 17th June and 1st July. Two Willoughby Girls High School students will co-lead with Bibi. Join us for some great exercises and a good laugh! Click HERE to register.
There will be a special afternoon tea on Tues 1st July to conclude the 2025 Autumn program. “Laughter is the Best Medicine!” Health benefits of Laughter Yoga includes: lifting your mood, improving physical health, connecting socially & managing life challenges with laughter. Each session runs for about 45 min. of laughter, gentle exercise and dancing (suits various fitness – sitting down is OK) and 15 min. informal chat & refreshment. Hear from Dr Kataria, the founder of Laughter Yoga about the benefits of laughter yoga! Dr Kataria often emphasises the importance of laughing for at least 10 min. each day to reap the health benefits of laughter yoga. Dr Bibi suggested laughing along these babies and the 10 minutes will be reached without you noticing! Try it yourself or join us at the next laughter yoga class.
CFS Event of the Month for June 2025
CFS Event of the Month for June 2025
Have you got a ‘pager turner’ book to share with fellow CFS members? Here is your chance – Sat 21st from 2 – 4 pm. With the success of our LNY Event After Party in March, CFS members are invited to return to Chatswood Youth Centre for an Inaugural ‘Book Club’ meeting. Bring your fav book(s) to share, bring a friend if you like. Refreshments (sandwiches and wraps) and soft drinks will be provided. Free for CFS members, guests are welcome to make a tax-deductible donation to our ‘Petal-it-Forward’ campaign.
Click HERE to register.
We are currently seeking an Event Organiser to coordinate these monthly events, each hosted by a different member with prior experience in organizing similar activities. Bibi will soon circulate a Google Doc to create a roster for 2025. We warmly welcome your ideas and suggestions—feel free to email them to Bibi!
Two Creative Workshop for Young People and their Families this school holidays.
Resin Art Workshop for youth and their family. Click HERE for more details and how to register.
Succulents in Colour-Sand Glass Workshop. Click HERE to learn more and register.
Event of the Month for July
Date: Sun 26 July
Spot a Fern – Rail to River Bushwalk along Ferndale Park
Hidden behind suburban streets, Ferndale Park provides a
bush backyard for local residents. The walk along the
fern filled Swaines Creek reveals a quieter, more serene and peaceful part of Chatswood.
Track length: Approximately a 4 km return trip.
Track grade: Easy to medium (Level 2, see notes below) – on unsealed bush tracks with steep steps in sections. Sturdy shoes are required.
All are welcome, bring your friends along. Click HERE to register.
If you feel like supporting youth mental health, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to CFS. Your support will help young people learn life skills and find meaningful employment.
Michelle Benson published in LinkedIn an article entitled “𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿? “She is referring to the term “non-profit” which is a tax reference, that unfortunately grew legs and became a label.
Bibiana Chan responded, “Absolutely. Perhaps a better terminology is ‘For-Purpose’. The Community Flower Studio is a youth-focused charity with a mission to help youth learn life skills and find meaningful employment. Your generous donations are tax-deductible.”
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Download the Return & Earn App onto your phone and nominate ‘Petal-it-Forward’ as the charity campaign for your refund to go. An anonymous sponsor will match the amount donated, so your contribution will be doubled!
Good news!!!
As of 28/5/25, we raised $547.6 A total of $547.6 donation was made by our anonymous sponsor to support our ‘PETAL-IT-FORWARD’ CAMPAIGN.
Your generous donations are much appreciated. The Community Flower Studio is a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC). Donations of over $2 will receive tax deductions. Please kindly make a donation to the Community Flower Studio (CFS) by direct debit. Our NAB account details are as follows: BSB No.: 082-212, Acc No.: 729-933-729
There are many ways to support CFS: become a member or contribute to the columns here. I’m always looking for a great recipe passed down from generation to generation. If you have a story to share, either write a short piece around 250 words or shoot us some photos. If there is a book or a movie you want to write a review, the CFS e-Newsletter will be happy to share with our e-Newsletter subscribers. Contact Bibi on communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com
If you would like to purchase a DIY Succulent Terrarium Kit for a loved one or a friend as a present, order online here ! This is also a ‘Succulents in Colour-Sand Glass’ DIY Kit which comes with a youth-approved instruction sheet and a QR code to the YouTube clip of previous workshops. Available here. You can also purchase a DIY Flower Kit from our online shop, click Flower Crown
Flower of the Month
Gomphrena Globosa
By Bibi
Gomphrena Globosa
Looking for a cheerful, low-maintenance plant to brighten your garden this winter? Meet Gomphrena globosa, also known as Globe Amaranth! With its vibrant clover-like flower heads in shades of purple, pink, red, and white, this hardy annual thrives in Australia’s climate and blooms from late spring through autumn—and often even longer!
🌿 Care Instructions:
Deadheading: No need! This plant self-cleans and continues blooming prolifically.
Sunlight: Loves full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily will encourage more blooms.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil. It’s not fussy and can tolerate poor soils too.
Watering: Drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately; avoid soggy roots.
Fertilizer: A light dose of all-purpose fertilizer during growing season helps, but it doesn’t require much feeding.
Gomphrena is also an excellent companion plant, attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees. It grows well in pots, garden beds, or even as a border plant.
🌼 Fun Facts:
The flower heads are not actually flowers—they’re colourful bracts that surround tiny true flowers.
Gomphrena is often used in dried floral arrangements because it holds its colour and shape beautifully.
In some cultures, it’s brewed into a herbal tea believed to support respiratory health.
The name “Gomphrena” comes from the Greek word for a kind of amaranth.
It symbolizes immortality in the language of flowers due to its long-lasting nature!
Whether you’re looking to add a pop of colour or support pollinators in your garden, Gomphrena globosa is a fuss-free and joyful addition to any space.
Gomphrena globosa is sometimes called “Bachelor’s Button”, though it shares the name with other flowers (cornflowers). The nickname comes from an old romantic tradition involving love, longing, and symbolism through buttonhole flowers.
🧠 Did You Know?
The round, colorful heads of Gomphrena globosa aren’t actually flowers—they’re called bracts, which protect the tiny true flowers inside! These vibrant bracts help attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, and are the reason Gomphrena keeps its colour so well when dried. Perfect for everlasting bouquets! It is fairly easy to grow from seeds or cuttings. Click HERE to find out more.
For a limited time only, ‘Pregnant Onion’ is available for sale at the CFS Flower Shop.
Plant of the Month
Coleus
by Bibi
Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) 🌿If you’re after eye-catching foliage that thrives in cooler months, look no further than Coleus! Known for its brilliantly patterned leaves in shades of green, burgundy, pink, yellow, and purple, Coleus brings instant colour to indoor spaces, shaded balconies, or garden beds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced plant lover, Coleus is a rewarding and easy plant to care for.
🌞 Care Instructions:
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Too much direct sun may scorch its leaves, while too little light may dull its colour.
Soil: Enjoys well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch feels dry. In winter, reduce watering slightly.
Temperature: Loves warmth but can tolerate cooler indoor temperatures. Protect from frost.
Pruning: Pinch back the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering, which can shorten its lifespan.
Propagation: Super easy to grow from cuttings in water or soil—a fun project for kids or beginner gardeners!
🌈 Fun Facts:
Coleus is part of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is sometimes grown as a fragrant herb in tropical regions.
It’s nicknamed the “Painted Nettle” for its vibrant, textured foliage.
Originally from Southeast Asia, Coleus has been cultivated for centuries and was especially popular in Victorian gardens.
Some varieties are bred to withstand more sun, known as “sun coleus.”
- In feng shui and traditional beliefs, its bold colours are thought to energise indoor spaces and invite creativity.
Whether in pots, hanging baskets, or as a colourful border plant, Coleus adds a splash of personality and playfulness wherever it grows! It is extremely easy to propagate using water. Check out this YouTube clip.
Book Review
By Wing C
Lola in the Mirror
By Trent Dalton
Lola in the Mirror is a beautifully crafted novel by Trent Dalton that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the search for self-worth. Set against the backdrop of Brisbane’s streets, the story follows a nameless teenage girl living in hiding with her mother. On the run from a troubled past, they live in fear of being found, yet the girl dreams of becoming a celebrated artist. Her aspiration is fuelled by the belief that her art can change her life—a belief symbolized by “Lola,” the reflection of the woman she hopes to become.
A striking feature of the novel is the use of a drawing at the beginning of each chapter, adding a visual layer to the storytelling. These illustrations reflect the protagonist’s inner world and her journey of self-discovery, making the narrative deeply personal and immersive.
Central to the story is the relationship between the girl and her mother—a complex, tender bond shaped by love, sacrifice, and shared trauma. Their connection is heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure, as the mother strives to protect her daughter while carrying the weight of her own regrets.
Dalton’s prose is lyrical and evocative, weaving a narrative rich in emotion and compassion. The novel was inspired by Dalton’s time as a journalist, during which he collected stories from homeless individuals in Brisbane. This gives Lola in the Mirror a raw authenticity, shedding light on lives often overlooked.
Through vivid characters and poetic storytelling, Lola in the Mirror delivers a powerful message about hope, resilience, and the power of dreams. It’s a moving exploration of how we see ourselves—and how love and art can help us find our place in the world.
Highly recommended if you are Dalton’s fan. I enjoyed reading this book more than his debut (Boy Swallows Universe) which brought him all the fame.
Recipe of the Month
Pomegranate Salad by Bibi
Ingredients:
Salad: 1 medium Lebanese cucumber, diced; 1 small red capsicum (bell pepper), diced; 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded; 2 spring onions, finely sliced; ½ cup fresh coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped.
Dressing: salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
Instructions:
Toss and serve:
Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently until everything is well coated. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving for the flavours to meld.
Prepare the vegetables:
Finely chop or dice the cucumber, capsicum, cabbage, and spring onions. Place in a large bowl.
Add pomegranate and herbs:
Mix in the pomegranate seeds and chopped coriander.
Make the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the orange juice, pomegranate molasses, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
From the Desk of Bibi
The Empathy Gap
By Dr Bibiana Chan
Empathy Gap refers to the difficulty people have in understanding or predicting emotional states—either their own future emotions or the emotions of others—especially when those emotions differ from what they feel at the moment.
This concept, introduced by psychologist George Loewenstein, explains why:
When we are calm, we underestimate how strongly we might react when angry, stressed, or scared. When we are upset, we find it hard to imagine what it’s like to feel calm or content. When others are in distress, if we are not feeling distressed ourselves, we might underestimate how much help they actually need.
There are two common types of empathy gaps:
Hot-to-Cold Gap: When someone in a heightened emotional state (like anger, hunger, fear) struggles to understand how they would feel or act when calm (cold state).
Cold-to-Hot Gap: When someone in a calm state underestimates the intensity of feelings during an emotional, “hot” state.
The empathy gap can affect decision-making, relationships, communication, and even public policies—because it leads to misunderstandings about how people (including ourselves) behave under emotional pressure.
In short:
The empathy gap shows that emotions deeply influence our perceptions, and we are not as good as we think at stepping into others’ (or even our own future) emotional shoes.
1. Community Relationships When someone isn’t personally struggling (for example, with job loss, illness, or family stress), they might underestimate how deeply these issues affect others.
➔ Result: They may judge neighbours harshly (“Why don’t they just work harder?”) instead of offering understanding or support, which erodes trust and weakens community bonds.
2. Youth and Adults Disconnect Adults often forget the intensity of teenage emotions because they are in a calmer (cold) adult mindset.
➔ Result: Young people may feel misunderstood or dismissed (“You’re overreacting”), leading to resentment and a communication breakdown.
3. Public Health Behaviours During crises like COVID-19, people who feel healthy may underestimate the fear or vulnerability felt by others at higher risk.
➔ Result: This can lead to tensions over mask-wearing, vaccination, or social distancing, reducing collective trust and cooperation.
Continue reading HERE.
Subscriber’s Corner
Gardening is fun
By Henry G.
I started studying gardening with CFS around the middle of April as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Skills section. Dr Bibi helped me get started by giving me a few simple and small plant cuttings, which I’ve been growing and looking after since receiving them. About a month later, I received some additional plants to further expand my gardening experience and knowledge. This opportunity to study gardening has given me a deeper understanding of plant care and maintenance, and has helped me learn about responsibility and patience, while being a very enjoyable and exciting experience overall, nurturing my own plants.
🗣️ Youth Mental Health Forum – Key Messages from Anne Hollonds, National Children’s Commissioner
🧒🏽 Make Children a National Priority
- Appoint a Minister for Children
- Children & youth should be central to National Cabinet discussions
📜 Follow International Standards
- Australia lags behind the 1990 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
🛑 Stop Locking Up Children
- Prison isn’t the answer
- Behaviours = symptoms of deeper issues
🧠 Prevention is Key
- Adopt a public health approach
- Support early intervention, not punishment
🏛️ Break Down Silos
- Ministries are disconnected
- Real reform needs joined-up government
🩺 Address Unmet Needs
- Kids face:
- Undiagnosed mental health issues
- Domestic & sexual violence
- Drug use, school disengagement
🏡 What Kids Say They Need:
- A safe home
- A community to belong to
- Food on the table
- Sport & recreation
- Free, accessible transport
Continue reading HERE.
COMMUNITY FLOWER STUDIO LOGO EXPLAINED
Community: CFS is a community to support young people facing mental health challenges.
Creative: CFS hosts events to unleash young people s creative talents.
Resource: CFS provides members with resources to enhance their wellbeing.
Support: CFS offers support to members to develop their potential.
Growth: CFS fosters a growth mindset which is helpful in dealing with challenges.
Recovery: CFS sees recovery as achievable and a journey to cherish.
CONTACT US
Email: Communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.communityflowerstudio.org Mobile: 0412 613 073
Like us on Facebook:Community Flower Studio Inc. Instagram: communityflowerstudio
Address: 10-12 Clanwilliam St., Willoughby, 2068, NSW, Australia.