To celebrate their 25th anniversary, The Canopy is hosting a community art exhibition coordinated by University of Newcastle social work students, Kristen McQualter and Luke Hoevers.

Community organisations, clubs and groups are encouraged to create and submit a joint entry which represents their view of families.

The Canopy is a non-government incorporated association that provides services to families with children in the West Lake Macquarie area. The service was established at the end of 1988 to provide support for families in the West Lake Macquarie City Council area.

Organisations in the Lake Macquarie area are being called on to provide a creative representation of what family means. The exhibition aims to show that the word 'family' has many meanings, as well as to showcase the many organisations and groups in Lake Macquarie who provide services to families.

Kristen and Luke are currently on placement with The Canopy as part of their fourth year studies.

According to the students, community development work is as much about process as the outcome.

"We're excited for the exhibition, but more so the empowerment and initiative we're seeing in community groups to develop and showcase their own perspective," they said.

The Show Us 'Family' exhibition will be on display at Cameron Park Community Centre from 6-13 November.  Herald cartoonist, Peter Lewis, will be attending the launch of the exhibition on 6 November to 'capture' some of the guests and assist with the judging.

The deadline for submissions is 25 October, with notifications of intent to enter required by 11 October. Organisations interested in participating in the exhibition can find out more information by contacting Kristen and Luke at projects@thecanopy.org.au or phone 02 4908 1140.