A new series of “Be Kind” pavement stickers has been unveiled across Greater Shepparton. The initiative, led by the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project in collaboration with Greater Shepparton City Council and Berry Street School, honours colleague, youth mentor and friend Bella Ainsworth, who passed away from cancer in July 2024 at the age of 30.
The six vibrant stickers build on a wellbeing campaign first launched during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when the same organisations came together to promote mental and emotional health. Bella, a key member of the original team, worked alongside colleagues to co-design a project that encouraged practices such as gratitude, empathy and mindfulness. The result was a series of decals installed on pavements across the region, helping the community incorporate positive thinking into their daily life.
Troy Snelling, Leader of Wellbeing at Berry Street School and a contributor to both campaigns, shared: “Positive mindset practices are known to help build positive emotions, strengthen relationships, and reduce stress,” he said. “The first pavement stickers played a key role in spreading kindness and promoting wellbeing across the community—and it’s fitting that this new campaign continues that legacy in honour of Bella, who embodied those very values.”
Lighthouse Executive Officer Amy Robinson, who has also worked on both projects, echoed Troy’s sentiments. “Bella brought both professionalism and heart to her work, always putting community—particularly young people—at the centre,” said Amy. “For those who knew her, Bella is widely remembered for her sense of fun, her energy, and her signature quality of kindness. It is wonderful to have been able to incorporate this into the new design, which is very much inspired by Bella's vibrant personality.”
Over the past week, 150 decals have been installed across the region by young volunteers from Berry Street School and participants in Lighthouse’s OLLY program. The initiative is part of a broader “Be Kind” campaign launched by Lighthouse to honour Bella’s legacy. The campaign began on what would have been Bella’s 31st birthday—March 11—and celebrates her commitment to kindness, inclusion and community connection.
Since the campaign launched, the Lighthouse team has delivered a range of activities inspired by Bella’s values. These include a flower workshop and the gifting of 40 pamper packs to mums at Family Haven, the distribution of 50 coffee vouchers to community members, and the sharing of 10 MoVE and 20 Fun Planet vouchers with local young people. Bella’s husband, Mitch Barrett, their son Saf, and her father, Garry Ainsworth, have been closely involved—attending and supporting activities throughout.
Amy Robinson says the Lighthouse team is honoured to carry Bella’s legacy forward and welcomes community participation. Whether through simple acts of kindness or by supporting a Lighthouse initiative, everyone is encouraged to get involved. To find out more or speak with someone from the Lighthouse team, contact Amy Robinson at arobinson@gslp.com.au.
To read more about other kindness initiative inspired by Bella visit The Bella Effect
#kindnessinspiredbybella
Pictured below back row L-R: Kynan Vickers, Mischa Boyd, April Scott and Berry Street Staff member Laura Sanchez, front row L-R: Amy Robinson, Garry Ainsworth, Shane Sali, Mitch Barrett and Saf.
