Hi @melsev
hope your surgery is healing up well. In my region there’s a wonderful program that offers many free activities and services in support of people being treated for cancer and their families and it includes an art therapy program. It is housed in the local Integrated Cancer Service connected to the public hospital - this is the link
https://www.bhs.org.au/services-and-clinics/cancer-services/bricc-wellness-centre/#wellnessprogramsAs you’re Melbourne based it might require a bit of phone or email sleuthing but maybe contact your closest Integrated Cancer Service, perhaps start with this page and the list of centres in Melbourne
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/victorian-cancer-plan/integrated-cancer-servicesI also found this link (I think it’s okay if we use “Dr Google” to search for art therapy programs 😊)
I found some of the programs wind down during the holidays reflecting the family time needed by staff, volunteers or patients.
Maybe also contact your local council art gallery as they might have programs that are being activated (for adults) during the holiday period.
Wishing you all the best as you recover 🎨🌸🌻