Bright new colourful artwork depicting a dugong and other native creatures will welcome patients and visitors when they arrive at Redland Hospital.
The works, by local artists Jillian Jacob, Belinda Day and Bindi Lee, are a collaboration with Minjerribah-Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council and feature on each level of the new multi-level car park and across the facility.
The artwork acknowledges the twelve apical ancestors belonging to three family groups of Quandamooka, Nunukul, Goenpul and Ngugi people.
Ms Jacob, whose pieces feature in the car park, said it was a privilege to be part of the project.
“I have three little boys who were all born at Redland Hospital, so it’s a special place for me,” she said. “It was nice working with local Elders to learn from their knowledge and I’m happy with the result.”
Redland Hospital Executive Director Greg Nolan said the beautiful new artwork was both culturally welcoming and would help patients and carers identify and remember which level their vehicle was on.
“From Ground Level to Level 6, a piece of artwork features prominently near the lift foyer,” Mr Nolan said.
"Eleven new pieces of artwork are on show in the car park as well as four beautiful paintings displayed across the hospital.”
Mr Nolan said the expansion of Redland Hospital was providing new opportunities to create a welcoming and culturally safe environment.
"We want to incorporate art and cultural elements into the design and construction of our new facilities,” he said.
“We are also working to identify opportunities around the existing campus where artwork can enhance the experience of patients, staff and families while they are in our care.”
A stunning painting of a dugong and calf is now located at the new back entrance to the hospital thanks to artist Bindi Lee.
“The artwork is a modern interpretation of the significance of the dugong to the health and healing of Quandamooka peoples,” Ms Lee said.
“The dugong has connected, fed and healed Aboriginal peoples for generations.
“The hunting of the dugong is important for kinship and the painting also reflects the kinship between the dugongs with the mother and baby painted to express the love and commitment mothers have to their children.”
Aunty Mary and Aunty Maureen from Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council were heavily involved in the project.
“We helped make sure the process for the artwork was culturally appropriate and worked to get word out to the community so that local artists would apply.
"The artwork at the Hospital will help it to feel more welcoming for all visitors.
"Featuring native animals helps provide a connection to country, and helps the Hospital be seen as a place of healing.
"The Kabul (carpet snake) on the Ground Level near the entrance to the car park, is a significant totem for the Traditional Owners of the Quandamooka Region and is a lovely feature.”
The Aunties said they look forward to seeing more artwork across the Hospital as it expands.