Second artist announced for Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment

Ms Merrett will create a series of bespoke artworks for the new mental health unit, including integrated pieces for two sensory rooms, which will be embedded in wall surfaces and soft furnishings, carefully designed to complement the clinical needs of consumers who will attend the new unit.

The artist is consulting with staff, including mental health peer workers, to create an experience that best supports contemporary models of care, and aid recovery.

Ms Merrett will host a workshop on Wednesday 30 July 2025 at the Shoalhaven Hospital, inviting staff and community members to contribute to a collaborative mural for the mental health courtyard. The interactive session will use local botanicals to inspire artwork that reflects the Shoalhaven landscape.

Lara Merrett is known for her immersive and expressive style. Her practice is grounded in the belief that art can play a nurturing role in people’s lives, creating spaces that invite emotional and physical connection. Lara shares her time between Sydney and Bendalong, NSW.

Ms Merrett is one of several artists to be selected to create works for the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment. More announcements are expected in the coming months as the project’s arts program continues to take shape. Artists are commissioned through a selection process with advice from local stakeholders and guidance from the Shoalhaven Redevelopment Arts Working Group.

Health Infrastructure’s Arts in Health program guides the inclusion of arts into the NSW healthcare system to improve patient, staff and carer experiences in health services.

The $440 million Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment will provide the majority of emergency, critical care, acute, subacute and non-admitted services locally, reducing the need to transfer patients to Wollongong and Sydney.

Construction of the new Acute Services Building is expected to be completed in 2026.

To find out more about the Shoalhaven Hospital Arts in Health workshop visit: www.nsw.gov.au/shoalhaven-hospital-redevelopment.

Quotes attributed to Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital General Manager, Frank Bazik:

“Lara’s work brings a thoughtful balance of beauty and purpose, which will significantly enhance the experience of consumers, staff and their families at the Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital.

“The sensory room artworks are designed to promote healing in the mental health unit, while the courtyard mural creates a welcoming environment that builds a sense of connection between staff and community with the hospital.”

“The artworks enable creative practice to make a sustained contribution to clinical treatment, aligned with principles of the NSW Health and the Arts Framework.”

Quotes attributable to Australian artist Lara Merrett:

“Engaging with the Shoalhaven community and working directly with staff has been a central part of my process.

“These works are about connection to the natural world, to creativity, and to one another. Through light, colour and collaboration, I hope to create spaces that offer moments of calm, reflection and joy.”