Three First Nations artworks were unveiled at Wonthaggi Hospital as part of Reconciliation Week activities at Bass Coast Health (BCH).

The large-scale paintings were created by Wonthaggi artist Patrice Mahoney OAM. They represent First Nations Peoples' connection with the Bunurong coast, shown by First Nations motifs and symbology in vivid, captivating colours.

"These works represent the land, family, and our relationships to our culture and the environment. They show how we live within these spiritual and respectful relationships and help us grow to know the lore that holds us accountable," Aunty Patrice said.

The three panels are part of a single artwork, entitled Our places, our people, from summer to winter, the sky to the sea. The artworks remind BCH staff and visitors of the Bunurong coast's First Peoples' history and the First Nations People living on Bunurong Country.

Art is used as a chronicle to convey knowledge of the land, events and beliefs of the Aboriginal people. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage comprises the intangible and tangible aspects of the Country, culture and family. 

BCH stated it is supporting the First Nations Community by sharing cultural practices, resources and knowledge systems. The health and wellbeing of our First Peoples is underpinned by strong culture and inclusion, and art is one way BCH can show that it is committed to walking, working and listening to First Nations People.

BCH CEO Jan Child said Reconciliation Week was the perfect time to unveil the artworks, as a way to recognise the history and contribution of First Nations People to our community.

"The artworks provide a picture of wellbeing, a place where people can get lost in them and feel like they can be at peace in a sometimes frenetic healthcare environment. The artwork has been on a beautiful journey to get to where it has got," she said.

Art work

The first painting, in Grabham Wing, represents the hills, bluffs, sky and stars, according to Aunty Patrice.

"Sometimes, we forget that the sky, the stars, and the planets that form the constellations are the ultimate guides; they are the way-finders and the guardians who remind us each night that we are insignificant and yet individually empowering and essential partners in caring for our culture and Country. The sky's the limit," she said.

"The Bunurong, with their rich cultural songs, stories and ceremonies, have cared for these lands, waters and sky for thousands of years. We, the mob, the diverse and urban Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community living here today, continue this legacy, loving her as our own. We walk alongside the Bunurong as allies, united in our commitment to care for the country and bring with us our own vibrant culture."

The second panel, outside Maternity, depicts a baby, nestled in a tree.

"The tree guides us to look at where our ancestors have been, who have guided us to succeed and grow when we're ready to be the leaders we need in our families, communities or workplaces," Aunty Patrice said.

"The marks on the trees are a cultural reminder of our heritage, where we come from, where we're going and the future we can develop. The tree is where the birth of culture, respect and new life reminds us that we are in this together, that we all belong, and that we come into this world with the love of thousands of mothers who came before us. Now, we are the mothers of new ideas, innovation, and creativity, the teachers of knowledge and the guardians of the next generation.

"Never forget how we got here and where we're going; everyone has the responsibility to be the next mother, leader and that old tree that guides us all into the future so we can all thrive. Be the tree."

The third painting in the Link Conference Room shows dunes and waves as vaults of knowledge, history and heritage.

"The townships and communities of the Bass Coast are represented along our coastline with a loud song or a quiet whisper, and this work represents those spoken words to remind us we are all part of the living and breathing Bunurong coast, and we're all part of the storytelling happening today," Aunty Patrice said.

"Let's all lean into gathering, sharing the history and listening to each other."

To further commemorate Reconciliation Week, BCH staff took part in the National Sorry Day community gathering at The Nobbies Visitor Centre, and were encouraged to wear yellow on Wear It Yellow Day to support a bright future for Indigenous children in out of home care.

Staff took part in a Meet and Yarn Up session to learn about BCH's Reconciliation Action Plan, and heard from guest speaker Aunty Ursulla Winmar, who shared her emotional story about inter-generational trauma and how this is impacting her life and her family's lives in 2024.