An array of vibrant and striking artwork has been unveiled at several Sunshine Coast Health hospitals to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
The artworks hang in the Maleny, Caloundra, Gympie and Sunshine Coast University hospitals as part of its commitment to culturally safe and inclusive healthcare.
Sunshine Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health senior director Sharon Barry said the artwork was an opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the significance and history of the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara people.
“They are the traditional owners of the lands and waters where we provide healthcare,” Ms Barry said.
“We saw an opportunity to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art across our facilities to provide a more welcoming and culturally safe environment.
“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 2022-23 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.”
The featured artists are Mikala Louisa McSaveney at Nambour Hospital with The Place of Healing, Niketa Law at Sunshine Coast University Hospital and Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Dr Hope O’Chin (Aunty Hope) at Caloundra Health Service, and Zartisha Davis at Gympie Hospital with Bottlebrush and Waterways.
“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,” Ms Barry said.
“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.”
Meanwhile, our “trailblazers, nurturers and Custodians of cultural knowledge and wisdom’’ have been honoured at a special ceremony.
Speaking at Sunshine Coast Council’s annual Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, held as part of NAIDOC Week 2023 celebrations, Mayor Mark Jamieson paid tribute to First Nations Elders past, present and emerging.
“The annual ceremony is a way to honour our Elders, who have made such a profound difference to the way we live through their advocacy and activism,” Cr Jamieson said.
“They are the Custodians of cultural knowledge and wisdom, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders and loved ones.
“We pay our respects to the Elders we’ve lost and show our support for those who continue to inspire change across the country.
“For many years Sunshine Coast Council has remained committed to strengthening working relationships with First Nations peoples and advancing reconciliation.
“Together, we thrive.”
Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said more than 100 people attended the ceremony at Council’s Nambour Administration Building.
‘For Our Elders’ is the official theme of NAIDOC Week 2023, which runs from July 2-9.
Download the NAIDOC 2023 Regional Guide on council’s website.
To find out about more NAIDOC Week celebrations and events around the region, head here.
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