Meet Northcott resident artist and support worker, Linda

For Wagga Wagga artist and support worker Linda, creativity is more than just a passion—it’s a way to help others find joy, express themselves, and develop new skills.

“Coming to Northcott has profoundly enhanced my skills and deepened my passion for art,” Linda said. “I’ve seen firsthand how creativity helps regulate emotions, relax the mind and body, and bring a sense of accomplishment. My goal is to share the transformative power of art with people from all walks of life.”

Linda brings her expertise to Northcott’s Life Skills and Individual Services, leading a diverse range of creative sessions for participants, including:

Individual painting sessions – ‘Artiste en Herbe’ (Budding artist): One-on-one sessions designed for aspiring artists to develop their skills and create personal masterpieces.

• Group painting session – Mural Project: A collaborative art piece displayed in the outdoor oasis at our Wagga Wagga centre.
• Group session – Everything Flowers: A floral-themed painting and crafts session, including an excursion to Canberra’s Floriade festival.
• Group session – Flying in the Sky: A creative exploration of aviation through paper plane design, lantern making, and kite building.

Beyond her work at Northcott, Linda runs Lush Creative Galleries, a gallery and workshop space at the Old Bank on Ford Street in Wagga Wagga). There, she offers tuition and workshops in acrylic, ink, watercolour, and mixed media. She is also part of The Work of Art, a 17-month program for regional NSW artists to enhance their skills.

Making a difference through art

Linda’s impact extends beyond the canvas, particularly in her work with customers like Shane, a participant in our Life Skills program.
“I’ve been working with Shane for about four months now. We go bowling, visit the library, and check out exhibitions at the Wagga Art Gallery,” Linda said. “We also do a lot of karaoke—it’s loud and fun!”

Shane, who struggled to sit still for extended periods, found an unexpected sense of calm when introduced to painting.
“When I first started working at Northcott, a staff member suggested he try painting with me. The moment he picked up a brush, he was focused and relaxed for 45 minutes. The other support workers had never seen him so calm before,” Linda said.

Encouraging independence is at the heart of Linda’s work.

A lasting legacy

Linda led the creation of a mural with Life Skills participants, which is displayed at the newly refurbished Wagga Wagga centre in The Federal Brewery building. The next two sections of the mural were completed during a community BBQ and were ready in time for the official opening of the centre in December 2024.

The event held special significance for Linda’s family, as she invited her mother, a former Northcott support worker from the 1970s, to attend.

“It was amazing to be part of Northcott’s history and future at the same time,” Linda said. “Art has the power to bring people together, and I was honoured to share that with our customers and community.”