Inside the new Aboriginal Mudyin (Family) Centre coming to Nepean Hospital

Nepean Hospital is set to welcome a new Aboriginal family health centre, the first of its kind in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District – providing a dedicated and culturally safe space for Aboriginal consumers, carers and families.

Named the Aboriginal Mudyin (Family) Centre, it will be located near the main entry of the new Stage 2 building, which is currently under construction.  

Director of Aboriginal Health at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Rachel Scobie, who was a key stakeholder in the design consultation of the new centre, is excited to see the vision become a reality.

“Mudyin means family in Dharug language, and this new centre is an important missing piece. "It's a reflection of our respect for Aboriginal people and the importance of family and gathering,” Rachel said.

Rachel said there are a lot of challenges for Aboriginal people before they get into the hospital such as travelling long distances, negotiating parking and finding where they need to go.

“It's great to have a space where Aboriginal families can come and rest before an appointment, or before going up to see a loved one who's quite unwell.

“It provides a space to reset or reconnect before you move on to the next part of your journey,” Rachel said.

The new purpose-built unit will feature a kitchenette with tea and coffee facilities, a large oval dining table, comfortable lounge area, meeting room and consultation rooms.  

The centre will also feature home-like finishes and Aboriginal art including art-printed cushion covers to create a comfortable and welcoming space.  

Dharug artist Jamie Eastwood has been commissioned to deliver three artworks in the new centre. One artwork in the community room honours the traditional healing knowledge of Aboriginal people and will feature native flora in bush medicine and ceremonial practices including smoking ceremonies.

There will also be a special Aboriginal artwork where new parents can take a picture or conduct a welcoming ceremony for their babies.

The Aboriginal Mudyin (Family) Centre will have direct access to the outdoors with large double doors opening to a large green space featuring a yarning circle, outdoor seating and tables, and a children’s play area.  

The outdoor yarning circle will feature stacked timber pillars encircling a fire pit.

“It’s a space for ceremonies and traditional yarning, but also for people to sit and gather for lunch or meetings,” Rachel said.

Extensive consultation with staff and the local community has played an important role in the design of the Aboriginal Mudyin (Family) Centre, which will feature direct access to an outdoor area, a children’s play area, tables and chairs for families to sit together, and a place for respite.  

“Families have told us it can be very tiring when you've got a loved one in hospital for a long time, and you're visiting day after day. So, it’s important to have a space where family can come and rest not too far away from the patient’s bedside,” Rachel said.

Aboriginal people often have large families so it is important that the new Aboriginal Mudyin (Family) Centre can accommodate them. The centre will also have video conferencing facilities allowing extended family to interact with loved ones in patient rooms.

The Aboriginal Mudyin (Family) Centre also provides a place for Aboriginal Liaison Officers to meet patients and families when they enter the hospital as well as conduct private and sensitive conversations.  

“It’s also a space that non-Aboriginal clinicians should feel welcome to use with their Aboriginal patients,” Rachel said.

Rachel said the centre’s location near the front entry of the hospital sends a “strong message” of respect to Aboriginal people.  

“First impressions matter. The location at the front entrance shows respect, recognition and inclusion of Aboriginal people.

“It shows that Aboriginal people and culture are not just an afterthought but central to our health service,” Rachel said.

A Dharug welcome message, Aboriginal artwork and Dharug language signage throughout the hospital will help create a welcoming, culturally safe and respectful facility for Aboriginal patients and families.  

“The Dharug language in signage and artwork throughout the hospital shows we are honouring our country and our local Elders. It also helps to normalise Aboriginal culture - so it's part of our every day,” Rachel said.

With construction of the new Stage 2 building underway, Rachel said she’s “excited” about having a dedicated and culturally appropriate space for Aboriginal families.

“This is going to be something very special. It’s the first dedicated space for Aboriginal families within the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District — a place where families can come together, find comfort, and take time to rest and support one another, away from the busy clinical areas. It’s a culturally safe and welcoming environment, created with community in mind.”