Students reflect on meaningful connection through R U OK? National Student Art Competition

12 November 2025

Collages of life’s joys, portraits of loved ones, cultural celebrations, and reflections on the barriers to connection - the Creative Legends and Finalists of the R U OK? National Art Competition expressed creativity, vulnerability and individuality through their incredible artwork.

In mid-2025, Year 7 and 8 students from across Australia were invited to respond to the question, 'What does connection mean to you?'. Their artistic responses were submitted as entries in the 2025 Competition. 

 

From 16 talented finalists, five Creative Legends were selected by a judging panel based on their artistic skill, imaginative storytelling, and the strength with which they conveyed the R U OK? message through painting, drawing, and digital art. 


Among the Creative Legends was Lucas, a member of Tamm Art Studio, whose artwork ‘Universe, Ocean, Sunrise and the Core’ impressed judges with its heartfelt depiction of how connection with family supports and uplifts us. Tamm Art Studio Director, Ann Tamm, observed how the competition had a positive influence on students by bringing increased awareness of mental health and the importance of connection. 


“It’s not just about winning; it’s about being part of something that encourages care, creativity, and community. Hopefully those that see the winning images are inspired to express their care to others,” said Ms Tamm. 


R U OK? Education and Young People Manager, Dr Hannah Brown, said connection plays a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of young people – helping them feel seen, supported, and valued, and reminding them to check in on their peers. 


“By engaging students creatively, we can encourage young people to think about who and what helps them feel connected, along with the value these meaningful connections bring to their lives,”


“This year’s winning artworks beautifully capture this spirit.” 

 

The Creative Legends received a certificate and an art prize pack, and their schools received resources designed to foster peer support and strengthen conversation, including an R U OK? Conversation Bench. 


R U OK? extends heartfelt thanks to every student who used their creativity to make a difference, to their schools for supporting their entries, ACCO Brands for generously donating the prizes, and the judging panel for their time and feedback. 

The Five Creative Legends 

We are Connected 

Eloi, Cumberland High School, Year 7 

"Since going into high school, I felt worried about making friends. In my artwork, this is shown by the colours on the shirts. However, by making new connections with friends, I was able to overcome these obstacles. To me, connection is a way of socialising and engaging with my community and the people around me."

Connection 

Summer, Unity Studios, Year 8 

“Connection is a visual representation of how I keep my heart happy when I am not OK. The photographs are of the people and the places I feel deeply connected to. I have placed the black and white photographs on a black background for contrast and used the red heart as a symbol of the love I have for these people and places.” 

Universe, Ocean, Sunrise and the Core 

Lucas, Tamm Art Studio, Year 7 

“In my heart, my mother is like a vast, boundless universe. Each twinkling star represents her love, wisdom, and patience. I’ve used symbolism to show her gentleness, ability to hold our family together, and the way she makes everyone’s day brighter. Mum is my universe, my ocean, my sunrise, and the most important piece in the puzzle of my life. I love you, Mum.” 

Connection 

Abi, Singleton High School, Year 7 

“My artwork is about connection and the different ways people can feel supported, through caring for ourselves, connecting with family, friends, and culture. My artwork is a reminder to check in on the people around us and to ask, ‘R U OK?’, because connections can make a big difference in someone’s life.” 

Sunset 

Shana, Balwyn High School, Year 8 

“My painting reflects on the bond between me and my dog. I got my dog, Celo, when I was 10 years old after promising to take care of a puppy, which was a huge responsibility. Over time, Celo and I developed a strong connection, and he became my best friend.” 

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Announcement from the CEO, Katherine Newton

by Katherine Newton • 16 October 2025
After ten years of teamwork, partnerships, growth, and countless conversations, I will be stepping down as CEO from 1 December 2025. It has been an extraordinary privilege to contribute to the growth of this movement and to witness meaningful change before my eyes. Gavin Larkin founded R U OK? because he believed conversation has the power to change lives. One seemingly simple question, when asked with genuine intent and care, can start a meaningful and sometimes complex conversation. And that’s what Gavin wanted. For people to look beyond responses of “I’m fine” or “All good” and ask, “Are you really OK?”. The notion of going deeper with conversations, of asking a second time, of trusting our guts and moving past our hesitation - is being grasped and moving beyond one day to any day. Whilst saying “G’day how are you?” will always be a greeting - we can do more. When Gavin lost his father to suicide he wanted to try and protect other families from the pain his endured. He wanted to get people talking and having real chats about how they’re feeling with their mates, their family and their colleagues. In locker rooms, lunch rooms, and lounge rooms across the nation. But he approached it from a different angle. Gavin wanted all of us to have the confidence to support the people we care about who might be struggling with life. To make conversations a natural part of our behaviour, to openly show our signals of support. So as R U OK? generations continue to evolve, my chapter is coming to a close. How fortunate I am to have been part of the story. From hesitant glances during presentations in 2015 to queues of people waiting for a conversation in 2025. From yellow wigs in the office, to welcoming yellow-swathed Ambassadors to share their lived experience. From yellow coffee cups in a café, to yellow cars driving into communities nationwide. And yes, there’s been a few cupcakes along the way. Social change is happening, and we are all a part of it. No one organisation can prevent suicide, no one individual can save everyone - but the power of many can make a difference.
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