Artistic, cultural welcome to Aboriginal Health Unit

21 May 2007

An amazing 14-metre long mural now welcomes people to the Aboriginal Health Unit at Wallsend, thanks to the artistic talent of Gamileroi artist George Anderson, who lives in Muswellbrook.

Awabakal elder Aunty Sandra Griffin and Hunter New England Health Chief Executive Terry Clout will officially launch the mural on Monday 21 May at 11.30am at the Aboriginal Health Unit at the Wallsend Campus.

Entitled ‘Gaba Gali, from the mountains to the water’ - the mural tells the story of the New England and Hunter valleys – the localities, villages and towns. The mural is the result of collaboration between John Hunter Hospital Arts for Health, the Aboriginal Health Unit and the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre.

“The mural illustrates these localities as meeting places where people gather from across the landscape and the travelling signs converge on Newcastle as the major meeting place,” Arts for Health co-ordinator Pippa Robinson said.

“The family group represents health and wellbeing – the mother figure offers welcome and peace in the form of a sun disc to those entering the Aboriginal Health Unit,” she said.

“George was ably assisted by Brad Franks from Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre and we thank them both for their wonderful work,” Ms Robinson said.

Chief Executive of Hunter New England Health Terry Clout said the mural was a welcome addition to the Aboriginal Health Unit.

“The mural provides a strong cultural welcome for Indigenous people, but also represents that we are working together for the improved health of our community,” Mr Clout said.

“The Hunter New England Health region is home to a significant proportion of the State’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or 21.6 per cent.

“We are working closely with our partners in the Aboriginal community to ensure that our health services are culturally appropriate and welcoming to Indigenous people and murals such as this are an important part of this strategy,” he said.

Director of Hunter New England Aboriginal Health Tony Martin said the health service is in the process of seeking feedback on its draft Aboriginal Health Plan.

“Our draft plan has been developed in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services from right across the Hunter New England Health region and is a key priority for Hunter New England Health,” Mr Martin said.

“Our particular focus is on strengthening our partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, increasing access to services, cultural respect and awareness and a strong emphasis on health promotion and primary health care needs of Aboriginal people living in rural and remote parts of the health service region,” Mr Martin said.

Contact: Shannon Ramadge

Phone: 4939 2216