Local artists announced for Tamworth Mental Health Unit

The artists were chosen from 30 high-quality entries in response to a public expression of interest, showcasing the creative talent of the region.

The artists include:

• Carolyn McCosker (Inverell)
• Leslye Coyle (Ogunbil)
• Stephanie Creigh (Tamworth)
• Isabelle Devos (Armidale)
• Theresa May Chatfield (Tamworth)
• Elouise Roberts (Armidale)
• Audrey Fogg (Tamworth)
• Phoebe Hillard (Armidale)
• Peter Abery (Graman)

In the coming months, the artist’s works will be installed in the new facility, which is on schedule to be completed by the end of this year.

The artworks will feature in interview and meeting rooms and will be reproduced as wall graphics in patient bedrooms, creating a healing environment within the mental health facility.

The latest announcement follows the appointment of three local Aboriginal artists late last year to produce artwork for communal spaces in the facility.  

Health Infrastructure and Hunter New England Local Health District partnered with regional arts development organisation Arts North West to encourage local interest in the program and support capacity building within the local creative community.

The new Tamworth Mental Health Unit, which will replace the nearby Banksia Mental Health Unit, will include:     

• Four adolescent inpatient beds   
• 20 general adult beds, as well as a five-bed adult high acuity zone   
• Eight bed older persons’ area   

The project is being delivered by Hunter New England Local Health District and Health Infrastructure as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.

For more information, visit the Tamworth Mental Health Unit project page.

Quotes attributable to Nicholas Rayner, Acting Executive Director Rural and Regional, Health Infrastructure:

“I’m really pleased to announce the chosen artists whose work will give the new facility a distinct, local identity that will inspire and comfort consumers, staff and visitors.

“We know that integrating art, storytelling, dance and music into our health facilities supports a more positive experience of care for patients and their families.”

Quotes attributable to Anna Styles-Tape, Acting Executive Director, Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability, Hunter New England Local Health District:

“Hunter New England Local Health District is proud to partner with Arts North West to offer a unique opportunity for local artists to contribute to the new facility.”

Quotes attributable to local artists:

Isabelle Devos:

“I am very grateful and humbled to learn that one of my paintings will be a small part of the new mental health facility in Tamworth. It is my hope that all the artworks chosen for this space will help to provide healing for people experiencing challenging times.”

Audrey Fogg:

“As a proud Gomeroi woman, Aboriginal artist and Registered Nurse for over 20 years, it is an honour to have two of my artworks selected for the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit. I hope my art brings a sense of healing and wellness to all who will see it.”

Carolyn McCosker:

“Having my painting selected for the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit is a deeply meaningful honour. It is incredibly fulfilling to know that my artwork might offer a moment of calm, connection, or reflection for those navigating their healing journey.”

Stephanie Creigh:

“It is an honour to be recognised within this community, and to have the opportunity to bring the immersive experience of the Australian landscape into the new space.”

Peter Abery:

“I feel privileged to be selected to be a part of the healing process for patients and it means even more to me having worked the last 20 years in mental health. Artwork can influence the mood of a room and has a healing power.”

Theresa Chatfield:

“All artwork done by me represents my culture and community in which we are all a part of. Everyone’s journey in life is different - only we can walk the path we have chosen.”

Elouise Roberts:

“This painting depicts a scene from an evening walk in the Arboretum in Armidale. I am thrilled to have my painting selected to be displayed in the Tamworth Mental Health Unit. It is my hope that the work will help to bring an element of the outside inside, to reflect the beauty of our environment and instil a feeling of serenity.”

Phoebe Hillard:

“Mental health support and services in regional communities is vital, I am in admiration of health professionals who work in these areas and the people on their journeys towards wellness, to be a small part of that is a lovely thing.”

Leslye Cole:

“Using layers of colour and light, I aimed to evoke both the texture of wool and the emotional texture of the moment. This painting is a meditation on gratitude, rest, and the beauty found at the close of a day spent in honest work.”