A new artwork celebrating the rich Aboriginal culture of the Goulburn-Mulwaree region has been unveiled as part of the Goulburn Hospital and Health Service Redevelopment.
Created by Muruwari and Ngemba woman and contemporary Aboriginal artist, Monica Bridge, the artwork represents an interpretation of the Goulburn-Mulwaree area including the mountains, hills, and rivers.
Working closely with the local Aboriginal community, Mrs Bridge has created a vibrant, uplifting and engaging artwork at the reception area of Goulburn Base Hospital’s main entry, that creates a welcoming space for patients, visitors and staff when they enter.
Mrs Bridge said locations from across the region are reflected in the artwork, which also includes symbols to represent culturally significant sites.
“Native plants such as snow gums have been used to represent men while plants such as yam daisies are used to represent significant places for women,” Mrs Bridge said.
The artwork has been delivered as part of Health Infrastructure’s Arts in Health Program, which supports strong engagement with communities, with a focus on cultural safety for Aboriginal communities, to contribute to reconciliation and better patient outcomes.
Mrs Bridge was selected to create the artwork following an Expression of Interest process, in close consultation with local Aboriginal representatives.
This artwork completes the Arts and Heritage Integration Strategy for the Redevelopment, which includes two major stairway commissions, Springfield Place historical exhibition, and a refurbishment of existing art and heritage collection items throughout clinical areas of the new service.