Connecting culture to care in mental health
Artwork at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s Nepean Mental Health Centre is further strengthening ties to culture, creating an inclusive, welcoming and therapeutic environment for Aboriginal consumers of the service.
From the art that adorns the exterior walls of the mental health centre to those displayed within its corridors, each tell a story that inspires hope, healing and connection.
Stephen Ainsworth, proud Biripi/Dhungutti man and NBMLHD Manager of Aboriginal Mental Health service, Namurugunya says the introduction of artwork across the facility enhances the perception and cultural safety of mental health services within our community.
“It’s our goal to provide a seamless journey of mental health care for all Aboriginal members of the community. Art is just another way in which we are improving the bond between the consumer and the clinician. It’s imagery is a reflection of the history and identity of the peoples of our region,” says Stephen.
“These are artworks from local artists and organisations and we are incredibly proud for them to be associated with our mental health service.”
Exterior mural - Dalmarri
This artwork depicts the Nepean River gracefully meandering through the land, surrounded by a rich tapestry of local animals and plants. The artwork also showcases meeting places, a space where individuals come together to connect, find solace, and experience healing.
With its subtle serene colours and intricate details, the artwork represents the profound connection between the community, the natural world, and the power of gathering and healing in a harmonious and safe environment.
Mariyung – Leanne Watson
Our hearths are life in our culture, we come together with fire, our smoke heals us and talks to us, we hold ceremonies with fire, the hearth represents the butt butt (heart) of our people.
The Mariyung joins us in our ceremonies.
Mariyung is my mother, she dances and celebrates Dharug ngurra, she lives in the sky and guides us across ngurra.
Mulaba Ngalawa – Leanne Watson
Men sitting around the fire yarning and sharing knowledge. Fire connects us, cleanses us. We also let people know where we are with our fires, we dance and celebrate with fire, it is a part of us.
Dharug yiyura come together to share knowledge, we feast, celebrate and dance around the fires.
Wiyanga Ngalawa – Leanne Watson
Our women sit around the fire, sharing, learning, eating and celebrating our culture.
Our Wiyanga mothers care for us and teach us, when our Wiyanga are speaking we listen and learn from them our old ways.