From Petal-it-Forward to Secret Garden: The Power of Kindness
Anna R. (Yr 9 student completing a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award) wrote,
November 13th marks the World Kindness Day for 2025! The world joins together to celebrate an internationally recognised date that brings the globe together, and sends ripples of connection throughout. Though the world can often feel divided by political views, wars, and such issues, practicing kindness gives us a way to connect with each other, ourselves, and our morals. Make someone’s day with a positive letter of gratitude, a little affirmation, or a hug to make them feel loved. Small acts of kindness show appreciation, and brighten someone’s day with just a simple gesture. Letters to friends, family, teachers, or even strangers, builds bonds and reminds others of the positive impacts they have on many lives.
Bibi wrote,
Change often begins with the smallest gesture — one person, one simple act of kindness. 💛 A RAKtivist (Random Acts of Kindness Activist) believes these small acts can reconnect us with our shared humanity, reminding us of the love that still exists in the world and inspiring us to pay it forward. [Click HERE to read more.]Click HERE to read more.
As we celebrate this special day, let’s also take a moment to honour those whose kindness has made a lasting impact — both near and far. Their actions remind us that compassion can transform lives and build stronger, more connected communities. 💛
Kindness in Action – Local & Global Heroes:
🌷 Anna Jarvis – Founder of Mother’s Day
🌼 Mother Teresa – Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
🐒 Dr Jane Goodall DBE – Scientist, Conservationist & Ambassador of Kindness
🌸 Fran Signorelli – 2025 Westfield Chatswood Local Hero
🌻 Amar Singh – 2023 Australian Local Hero of the Year
💐 Ronni Kahn AO – Founder of OzHarvest
🍽️ Shaun Christie-David – Founder of Plate-It-Forward Social Enterprises
🌿 Rev. Bill Crews – Founder of the Bill Crews Foundation
Actions speak louder than words. Whether it’s sharing food, spreading compassion, or giving flowers to brighten someone’s day, kindness is contagious — and we can all pass it on.
Watch this animated story about ‘Be Kind!’ by Pat Zito Miller illustrated Jen Hill:
Check this out, the Science of Kindness by the Random Act of Kindness Foundation. There are mental health benefits for being KIND!
Reflecting on past events
Reflection on CFS’ Secret Garden Event – celebrate Mental Health Month with Flowers and Creativity!
On Saturday 25 October, CFS hosted a first Secret Garden Event with 4 components:
1. ‘Wishing Flower Exhibition’, 2. DIY (Dried) Flower Bar Experience, 3. FAME (Floral Arrangements Made Easy) Workshop and 4. Live Stream Mental Health and Creativity Forum. You can still view the beautiful floral arrangements here and the very cute succulent terrariums here.
Check out this Instagram reel of highlights of this event:
The Secret Garden Team was so proud to have created this space for starting a conversation on ‘mental well-being’. Prevention is better than cure!
WHAT’S ON in Nov & Dec 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. Check out KYDS (Free Youth Mental Counselling) for their services. EPIC (Empowering Parents In Crisis) is a community building peer support platform “For parents & carers of young people by parents & carers of young people“.
A new resource: Self-Compassion for Teens
with a page dedicated for the adults caring for their teenagers: resources for the adults
World Kindness Day Pop-up Stall on Sat 8th Nov
This World Kindness Day Pop-up Week, our volunteers will give out beautifully blooms to petal-it-forward. Share with us someone you are planning to ‘perform a random act of kindness to’! We’ll also give you one to say thank you for your kindness. Make Kindness the NORM! Find us at the corner of Willoughby Rd and French’s Rd, right outside Little Giant Roaster Café.
Together, let’s sow the seed of kindness where so many parts of the world are experiencing man-made conflicts ( and wars). Here is a link to find out the health benefits of receiving (and giving) flowers .
Laughter Yoga Spring Program
Join our 2025 Spring Program on 4th & 18th Nov and 2nd Dec . ! There will be a ‘End of Year Party’ pn Tues 2/12 to conclude a whole year of LAUGHTER!
Curious about Laughter Yoga? The benefits are amazing for both mind and body—but no shortcuts! Daily practice of 10–15 mins for at least 10 days is the key. Check out this YouTube clip on Dr K’s tips on incorporating laughter yoga into your daily ‘chores’ (rituals).
Attend at least one class and you’ll join our WhatsApp group, where we share check-ins, new laugh exercises, and updates from Dr Kataria’s Daily International Laughter Class.
Come, move, laugh, and feel the difference! Only 3 classes left for 2025! Click HERE to register.
CFS Event of the Month
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 2026. We warmly welcome your ideas and suggestions—feel free to email them to Bibi!
Event of the Month for Nov and Dec
A brand new Creative Workshop by Young People for Young People:
Acrylic Pour on Christmas Baubles Workshop on Sat 22 Nov (1 – 3 pm) at Chatswood Youth Centre.
Want to give a unique, handmade gift to your loved ones this Christmas?
Join Jacque and Bibi for a fun-filled creative workshop where you’ll learn how to create stunning, one-of-a-kind acrylic pour designs on Christmas baubles.
🎄 Unleash your creativity and let the colours flow!
🎨 Choose from a wide range of vibrant acrylic paints.
💛 Meet new friends and pick up some simple wellbeing tips along the way.
No art experience needed — because you don’t have to be good at art for art to be good for you!
Book your tickets today on Humanitix!
CFS AGM (online)
Date: Wed 3th Dec
Time: 7 – 7:45 pm
A year has passed quickly, it’s time for our AGM (Annual General Meeting). All members are invited to attend to create a quorum of at least 50% of member’s presence. Bibi and the Committee is preparing the annual report and financial reports. Nominations for various positions on the Committee is now open. If you would like to nominate a member, please email Bibi for a nomination form. All members will receive an email with details about the AGM. Stay tuned.
End of Year Lunch
Sat 20 Dec 2025 End of Year Lunch at Joy of Giving (382 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest. Opposite Crows Nest Metro) Book your tickets via Humanitix here.
Special Feature: Play a round of Skip the Small Talk — a meaningful conversation game that helps us dive deeper into the values and ideas that matter most. Connect with fellow CFS members and make new friends through open, heartfelt conversations.
Come share stories, laughter, and good food with the CFS community as we look back on 2025 and look forward to another year of creativity, kindness, and connection. Find out more about these wonderful conversation cards here: Skip the small talk
Is your child often worried, nervous or scared?
The Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre at Macquarie University is offering six FREE treatment sessions tailored to treat individual child’s anxiety. Find out more HERE.
New mental health podcasts added to CFS webpage. Here is one of them.
Podcast (in Cantonese) on the application of AI in psychotherapy.
By Dr Bibiana Chan
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 1/11/25, we raised $590.2. A total of $590.2 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
Misty
By Bibi
The Misty series typically features sprays of many tiny flowers on branched stems, giving a “misty” cloud‑effect.
Colours you’ll find include:
- Soft lavender, pale purple and bluish tones.
- Pale pink and blush‑pink variants.
- White / off‑white tones (especially in dried presentations).
Because the blooms are small and lightly coloured, they work beautifully as filler flowers, lending texture and subtle tone rather than bold focal colour.
Care Instructions
- Light & soil: Grow in full sun (or very good light) in well‑drained soil. Limonium generally prefers open, sunny spots with good drainage.
- Watering: Once established, these plants are fairly drought‑tolerant. Avoid water‑logging, as root or crown‑rot may be a risk.
- Growth habit: Often grown as annuals or short‑lived perennials/biennials in many gardens.
- Cutting & drying: For cut‑flower use, harvest when many florets are open but before fading. Remove foliage from the stem base, condition in clean water with floral food, and if drying, hang upside down in a well‑ventilated spot out of direct light.
- Post‑harvest note: Some varieties (including Misty/Caspia types) can develop an odour (often described informally by florists) if stems are not processed/conditioned properly.
Fun Facts
They are sometimes referred to by multiple trade names (statice, sea lavender, caspia, misty) which can be confusing, but essentially refer to similar groups of Limonium cultivars.
Because of their papery texture and long vase life (and excellent drying qualities), the Misty/Statice group is a favourite in mixed bouquets and dried‑flower arrangements.
The trade name “statice” comes from common older naming of Limonium species; Misty is often used in floristry to refer to the airy, delicate versions.
Plant of the Month
Loropetalum
By Bibi
Loropetalum, commonly known as Chinese Fringe Flower, is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant foliage and delicate, tassel-like blooms. Native to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, Loropetalum belongs to the witch hazel family (Hamamelidaceae). Its graceful arching branches and colorful leaves make it a standout in any garden. Foliage colors range from deep burgundy or purple, as seen in cultivars like ‘Plum Gorgeous’ and ‘Purple Majesty’, to bronze, red-tinted green, and bright green in the original species. In spring and occasionally throughout the year, it produces clusters of fringe-like flowers in shades of hot pink, soft pink, magenta, or white, adding a whimsical touch to landscapes.
Care Instructions:
Loropetalum is both hardy and low-maintenance, ideal for hedges, borders, or feature planting. It thrives best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers full sun to part shade. Regular watering during the first growing season helps establish strong roots, after which the plant becomes relatively drought-tolerant. To maintain shape, prune lightly after flowering—avoid heavy pruning in winter or before buds form. Applying a layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release, acid-loving plant food to encourage lush growth and abundant blooms.
Fun Facts:
Versatile in the garden, Loropetalum can be shaped into bonsai, topiary, or container plants.
The name Loropetalum comes from the Greek words loron (strap) and petalon (petal), describing its unique ribbon-like flowers.
Feng Shui practitioners believe Loropetalum brings positive energy and harmony due to its rich colors and flowing form.
It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
Elegant, resilient, and ever-changing in hue, Loropetalum is truly a fringe flower that never goes out of style.
For a limited time only, ‘Pregnant Onion’ is available for sale at the CFS Flower Shop.
Book Review by Wing C.
All Our Shimmering Skies by Trent Dalton
Book Review:
Trent Dalton’s All Our Shimmering Skies is a story of grit, hope, and resilience, beautifully captured through the journey of Molly Hook, the “gravedigger girl.” With her shovel “Bret” as her only friend, Molly grows up in a world of cruelty and hardship. Her mother abandons her in search of the family’s curse, her father punishes her harshly, and her uncle despises her so much he makes her dig her own grave. Yet, despite it all, Molly does not cry—her courage and determination carry her forward.
When the Japanese fleet invades Darwin, Molly takes her chance to look for “good fortunes.” She is joined by Greta, a singer who becomes the first adult to genuinely care for her, and later by Yukio, a Japanese pilot who falls from the sky and unexpectedly joins their quest. Together, the three set out to find Longcoat Bob, the Indigenous Elder whose gold nuggets Molly’s grandfather once stole. Along the way they face crocodiles, miners, near-death encounters, and countless obstacles—but also moments of connection, kindness, and magic.
This book is a page-turner from start to finish. Dalton’s writing brings the characters to life so vividly that you can’t help but fall in love with them. I read it whenever I could find a moment—even carrying it with me on a trip to Canberra. A lady at a café told me she finished it in one sitting because she simply couldn’t put it down. By the last quarter, I felt the same—I had to keep reading until the very end!
All Our Shimmering Skies is a moving reminder of resilience in the face of hardship, and a celebration of friendship, courage, and hope. Just like in our work at CFS, it shows us that even in the darkest of times, connection and kindness can light the way forward.
Recipe of the Month
Gluten-free Orange Cake
By Jan Delardo
FLOURLESS ORANGE
AND ALMOND CAKE
Deliciously easy, simply delicious and a rich reminder of the abundance of the Murray
Outback region thanks to the perfect matching of oranges and almonds. Better still, this cake is ideal for people on the lookout for gluten-free recipes.
3 small navel oranges, including the skin;
7 eggs
325 g caster sugar
375 g almond meal
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a 25-26 cm spring-form pan with baking paper. Boil oranges until
soft (approx. 1 hour), then drain and process (including skin) in a blender until smooth to make a pulp. Allow to cool. Beat together the eggs and sugar until thick and very pale. Add
the almond meal, orange pulp and baking powder and beat until combined. Pour into prepared pan and bake for approximately 1 hour or until firm to the touch.
From the Desk of Bibi
Reflections from the Secret Garden
By Dr Bibiana Chan
I couldn’t be prouder of the Community Flower Studio (CFS) Secret Garden Team! Together, we pulled off our very first Wishing Flower Exhibition — our second Mental Health Promotional Event.
Building on lessons from the Lunar New Year Family Fun Fair, we offered our Floral Arrangements Made Easy (FAME) Workshops and DIY Flower Bar Experience to youth (ages 14–30) first. This time, we introduced a new category:
“Mum & Daughter Bonding Thro’ Flowers.”
Tickets sold out within hours!
The feedback was heartfelt and powerful — clear evidence of meaningful connections being made.
One facilitator wrote:
“The idea of mother-daughter bonding was brilliant!
I saw genuine interaction and connection between the four pairs throughout the workshop and reflection time.
One mother shared she learned more about her daughter’s likes and dislikes. Others said they loved doing something different together and asked how often we’d run this kind of workshop again.”
At the After Party, a young participant told me,
“I now understand why my mum enjoys arranging flowers so much — it’s really relaxing.”
The bonding clearly goes both ways. 💞
Read my full article HERE.
Subscriber’s Corner
Reflections on the Secret Garden Event
by Anna Roukchan
On Saturday 25th of October, I attended CFS’ ‘Secret Garden’ event as a panelist on the livestream mental health forum. I met Hon. Nicolette Boele, Hon. Tim James, and the Willoughby Council Mayor, Tanya Taylor. It was interesting to see how the event was run from different aspects such as the ‘Wishing Flower’ Exhibition, and DIY Flower Bar. Overall, I really enjoyed hanging out with some of the other panelists, walking around and looking at the exhibitions, and meeting new people. It was a lovely experience, and a big thank you to Bibi and the rest of the volunteer team for putting it together!
Our Secret Garden Became Reality by Khloe B.
What once lived only as an idea has now blossomed into a truly unforgettable experience. Our Secret Garden event was a hit, and it’s all thanks to YOU. 💐✨
To everyone who joined us: we are deeply grateful. We hope you enjoyed crafting your stunning floral creations and found a moment to pause, reflect, and nurture personal connection — whether through our Mother & Daughter Flower Bond journey, DIY dried florals, or floral arrangements activities.
This event wasn’t just about flowers. It was about community, creativity, and reconnecting with our inner selves. 🌱💭
We were especially honoured to welcome our admirable community leaders who elevated the occasion with their presence:
• Tanya Taylor — Mayor of Willoughby
• Robert Samuel — Councillor
• Hon. Nicolette Boele — Federal MP for Bradfield
• Hon. Tim James — State MP for Willoughby
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Bibiana Chan. The visionary who nurtured this concept from dream to delivery. Your dedication made the magic possible. 🌷
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.