Chalk messages have become a way to help Aussies stay connected during the pandemic. In Ballarat, Victoria, 9-year old Madeline Plevko – ‘the rainbow girl’ has drawn rainbows, fishes, smiley faces and even a hopscotch grid across the 2-km Canadian Track  In South Australia, students from Murray Bridge High School have added a tree to the trail. The tree made from handprints of the students is now hanging outside the school’s main gate. Meanwhile, in Nambour, Queensland Sunshine Coast, children used chalk on a pavement near the hospital to thank health workers and first responders. While kids at Tamworth have started colouring the town’s streets to spread cheer to residents. There are hundreds of such inspirational stories throughout Australia, and more are emerging with every additional day of lockdown.

Professor Lisa Gibbs of the University of Melbourne says that in times of emergency, parents’ can help their kids grasp what’s happening by encouraging them to participate in activities. These activities can give them a sense of agency to help them cope and to make them feel like they can contribute. Studies show that feeling included in a community can help people deal with stress and anxiety. A simple drawing and message of hope not only benefits the person who created the message but also others that encounter it.