Yarrabilba pathway gets a pop of positivity
Published on 19 September 2025
Pounding the pavement in Yarrabilba just got a little more enjoyable after Logan City Council painted messages of positivity on a popular running track in Darlington Parklands.
The Positive Affirmations project was officially launched after R U OK Day (September 11) and aims to promote mental health awareness and wellbeing in the fast-growing community.
City of Logan Acting Mayor Scott Bannan said the Yarrabilba community, led by resident Jodie McCoy, had driven the thought-provoking project.
“As one of the most welcoming cities in Australia, Logan is a community that supports each other through thick and thin,” Cr Bannan said.
“Having messages of positivity painted across the city will encourage people to stop and think about what’s important to them.
“We want these pops of colour to become talking points in our communities.”
The 10 meaningful messages are the latest initiative to spread optimism and raise awareness of mental health in and around public spaces in Logan.
In recent years, colourful words of hope were painted on a staircase in Meadowbrook, while two trees – in Logan Reserve’s Loganview Park and at the Cedar Grove Environmental Centre – were painted bright blue.
Miss McCoy worked with Council officers, students from Yarrabilba State Secondary College, Yarrabilba State School and San Damiano College, and Division 4 Councillor Nathan St Ledger, to bring the pathway messages to life.
She said a local loss of life had been the driving force behind her actions.
“One positive word can change everything,” she said.
“If you can just stop one person from feeling that low, that’s an achievement.
“I hope the community will see the positive statements and always remember them.”
Cr St Ledger said the Darlington Parklands footpath was used by a local parkrun group and would soon be used by a mental health walk and talk group.
“Not every day has to be perfect, and seeing these affirmations painted on the footpath might be enough for someone to think differently,” Cr St Ledger said.
“It’s important to check in on our friends, family and colleagues.”
‘It’s ok to not be ok, and we can all remind ourselves that help is available anytime someone is struggling.”
R U OK? Day is held on the second Thursday every September and encourages people to check in with people around them.
If you or someone you know needs help, 24/7 support is available from Lifeline (13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au).