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Regional News

Artists chosen for new Tamworth Mental Health Unit

Oct 21, 2024

THREE Aboriginal artists have been chosen to produce unique artworks for the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit, due to be installed next year.

The artworks will enhance the purpose-built facility, which is designed to provide a welcoming, safe and supportive mental health service for adults and young people in the New England and north-west regions of NSW.

Amy Hammond’s sculptural work Gamilaroi Yinnar will transform the main entry atrium into a welcoming arrival space at the new health facility. Amy is a multi-skilled artisan whose practice and career centres around cultural storytelling.

She is a member of Yinarr Maramali, or made by Gamilaroi woman’s hands, a group with extensive experience delivering a wide range of creative projects including cultural weaving, exhibitions and collaborative works.

“I’m proud and excited to be part of such a meaningful art project that is deeply rooted in Gamilaroi storytelling and community wellbeing,” Amy said.

Large-scale graphic artworks will feature on walls and glazing throughout the building, created by artist Tess Reading, a Gomeroi woman, graphic designer and photographer.

Tess uses art to share stories and explore innovative ways to share knowledge, from acrylic painting to animations.

“I’m looking forward to working with hospital staff in creating artwork that will add cultural significance to this important new health facility,” Tess said.

Audrey Trindall is one of three Aboriginal artists chosen to produce unique artworks for the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit.

Audrey Trindall, a proud Gomeroi woman with over three decades of experience working in Aboriginal health, will lead sessions with Aboriginal staff and community to incorporate language and cultural interpretation in wayfinding signage in the new unit.

“I will be working closely with hospital staff and the broader Aboriginal community to ensure the local language is well represented around the new building,” Audrey said.

Following the public call for expressions of interest in the project, local Elder Uncle Neville Sampson helped Health Infrastructure to assess the applicants.

In the coming months, the successful artists will begin research and consultations with staff and the community.

The artworks will be created and installed next year, with the new health facility due to be constructed by the end of 2025.

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 commissioning of artworks is carried out in collaboration with NSW Health staff and the community.

There will be more opportunities for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal artists to submit artworks for use in bedrooms and communal spaces, with further information to be shared as the project progresses.

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