Lisa Newport, artist Zartisha Davis, Jo Shaw, Sharon Barry, and Karen Dean
Sunshine Coast Health has officially unveiled artwork that will hang in its Gympie, Maleny, Caloundra and Sunshine Coast University hospitals as part of its commitment to culturally safe and inclusive healthcare.
Sunshine Coast Senior Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Sharon Barry said that the artwork was an opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the significance and history of the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi and the Jinibara people, the traditional owners on the lands and waters where we provide healthcare.
“We saw an opportunity to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art across our facilities to provide a more welcoming and culturally safe environment,” she said.
“We want our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to feel welcome, respected, and engaged in their healthcare.
“The artwork is just one of the ways we are implementing the outcomes of our 2022-2023 Sunshine Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity Strategy.”
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists have created art that represents our region and the connection of country to health.
This week across our health service region we celebrate #NAIDOC2023 with events, as well as recognising the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. I encourage you to attend one of our events across the region.