By Lucy Waldron
Stanthorpe’s parks have become an artistic canvas thanks to a vibrant initiative by mother-daughter duo Tracey Gunnlaugsson and Samantha Benussi.
Stanthorpe Rocks is a group that turns small rocks into artworks and hides them around the town for the community to stumble upon or to hunt for.
Inspired by the success of similar projects in places like Hervey Bay, Tracey and Samantha envisioned bringing this joyful activity to Stanthorpe.
“We loved the idea of how the community got involved and it becoming a way of getting kids outside and exploring our parks in Stanthorpe,“ Tracey said.
The painted rocks often follow themes such as Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, and local events like the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival.
Tracey said the community’s response has been great with people posting on their Facebook page where they found the rocks and hiding them somewhere else.
“Even with those who don’t post on our page that they found the rocks, all that matters is that the kids are having fun,” she said.
The hunt for rocks has extended past the borders and even the seas with people finding Stanthorpe rocks in Germany, Fiji, New Zealand, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.
“We have has friends and family travelling overseas and they have taken rocks to drop in places, but also visitors find them here and drop them off on their next adventure,” Tracey said.
One of the main reasons that has kept the duo painting and placing the rocks is the joy they get and how it brings them closer as a family.
“My grandchildren love it when we are away on our family holidays and we have craft days, one of the first things they ask is to paint rocks,” Tracey said.
“It is a great way to involve the whole family and you don’t have to be an artist.”
Not only that, Tracey highlighted how her sister-in-law in Hervey Bay who paints with her daughter was her inspiration.
“I see how Brodee, her daughter, paints rocks and her beautiful smile and that is the smile we want to give to other children,” she said.
Stanthorpe Rocks hopes to grow more in 2024, expanding by visiting kids’ parties to paint with them and show them the excitement that comes along.
Tracey encourages everyone to join the various painted rock Facebook pages and start painting rocks and placing them around the region.
You never know who may pick up your beautifully decorated rocks and what journey they may take them on.
