It starts with a single brushstroke.
At first glance, the Tender Loving Care Disability Services expo booth might look like any other—informative, welcoming, well-organised. But step a little closer, and something unexpected catches the eye: a blank canvas, a small collection of paint pots, and a sign that reads: “One brush. One mark.”
It’s called Make Your Mark, and it’s not your average activity. This colourful, ever-evolving project was launched by Tender Loving Care in May 2025, offering participants a chance to contribute to a shared artwork—one person, one stroke at a time.
The concept is deceptively simple. Every visitor is invited to pick up a brush and leave their mark on the canvas. One brushstroke per person. No instructions beyond that. No template. No pressure. Just space.
“It’s about more than art,” explains Maria Binny, National Business Development Manager at Tender Loving Care. “It’s about visibility. It’s about inclusion. And it’s about the beauty of individuality coming together to form something collaborative.”
From Blank Canvas to Community Portrait
The Make Your Mark project made its debut at the Hunter Disability Expo, followed by appearances in Gold Coast, South-West Sydney, and Sydney. Each time, the canvas began blank until the contributions started flowing. Hearts, initials, lines, shapes, stars, and handprints gradually filled the space, layer by layer.
Some participants paint with purpose. Others hesitate, then smile once they’ve added their mark. Many return later in the day just to see how the canvas has grown.
“Some people say, ‘I’m not an artist,’ and we say, ‘That’s perfect,’” Maria shares. “It’s not about skill; it’s about being part of something.”
A Safe Space for Expression
The beauty of Make Your Mark lies in its quiet invitation. With no expected outcome, it offers a rare kind of freedom: to show up as you are, contribute what feels right, and know that it matters.
It’s an idea that reflects Tender Loving Care’s broader values—creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and included.
“The finished canvases are far from polished, and that’s the point,” Maria says. “They’re bold, messy, expressive, and full of life. They look like what inclusion feels like.”
Coming to Canberra
Visitors at the Canberra Disability Expo will have the opportunity to take part in Make Your Mark firsthand. The canvas will be there with just one brush, one mark, and an open invitation.
Because sometimes, the most meaningful things don’t need instructions. They just need space.