NAIDOC Week 2025 celebrated across our project sites
Health Infrastructure proudly celebrated the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our project sites this NAIDOC Week.
Each event provided a meaningful opportunity to strengthen Connections with Country and to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
The Ryde Hospital Redevelopment team invited staff and community members to take part in the “Adopt a Seedling” initiative – distributing approximately 50 native seedlings. This brings the total amount of seedlings shared with the community since the initiative began to 250, which will be planted in the forest adjacent to the hospital later this year.
Taking part in the 2025 Shoalhaven NAIDOC Fun Day, the redevelopment team hosted a community pop-up stall, gifting native seedlings to community members. These seedlings are the same species which will feature in the redevelopment landscaping plans.
The event also provided an opportunity for the community to learn how local Aboriginal art and culture will be incorporated in the design of the new spaces.
The Westmead Integrated Mental Health Complex marked NAIDOC Week with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country by local Dharug elder, Uncle Colin Locke.
Childcare centres adjacent to the new Westmead complex were also presented with a selection of children’s books illustrated by Leanne Redpath.
The Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment team welcomed 50 community members to site to reflect on the ongoing collaboration between the project and community during work to deliver the project. The redevelopment ensures culture and community is woven into the new hospital building’s design and artwork.
Gathering in the cultural garden at Tamworth Hospital, approximately 40 community members came together to learn about the ties that the new mental health unit will continue to have with community. Gamilaroi artist, Amy Hammond showed the group her intricately woven butterflies, which will be displayed in the new facility.
In an exciting opportunity, the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital is inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and community members with strong connections to the region to be part of the arts program.
Learn about each project site:
Ryde Hospital Redevelopment: Ryde Hospital Redevelopment | NSW Government
Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment: Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment | NSW Government
Westmead Integrated Mental Health Complex: Integrated Mental Health Complex Westmead | NSW Government
Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment: Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment | NSW Government ]
Tamworth Hospital Redevelopment: Tamworth Mental Health Unit (Banksia) | NSW Government
Eurobodalla Regional Hospital: New Eurobodalla Regional Hospital Development | NSW Government
