Hunter New England Local Health District respectfully acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional owners and custodians of the land in which our health facilities are located, and pay respect to the Elders, community members and the community-controlled sector who partner with us to improve the health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our District.

Gunnedah Hospital is located on the lands of the Gomeroi, Kamilaroi, Gamilaroi people. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this place and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present and we pay tribute to the living and continuing culture of Aboriginal people. We recognise that they have occupied and cared for this Country for countless generations, and we celebrate their ongoing contributions to the life of the area.

Health Infrastructure partnered with Arts North West to launch an Expression of Interest, offering artists an exciting opportunity to develop their professional capacity. The Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment provided a unique chance for artists with strong ties to the community to contribute to a significant infrastructure investment. The selected artworks are set to inspire and comfort patients, visitors, and staff in the hospital’s new purpose-built facility. Emerging artists were warmly encouraged to apply.

Artists were required to demonstrate strong community connections to Gunnedah, showcase work suited to healthcare environments, and commit to collaborating with the project team to deliver artworks during 2025.

The $53 million Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment, funded by the NSW Government, aims to enhance healthcare facilities and create a culturally reflective space for the community, with completion expected by late 2025.

Project Highlights:

1. Emergency Department Entry Canopy

   • Target Artists: Aboriginal artists with ties to the Gomeroi, Kamilaroi, and Gamilaroi peoples.

   • Purpose: Create a welcoming, culturally reflective artwork for the Emergency Department canopy.

   • Details: Artwork integrated into perforated metal ceiling panels, backlit with LED strips.

   • Budget: $17,500 + GST for artist fees; fabrication costs covered.

2. Wall Graphics for Emergency and Maternity Units

   • Target Artists: Artists with ties to the Gunnedah community within the Hunter New England Local Health District.

   • Purpose: Enhance clinical spaces with positive distractions and wayfinding graphics.

   • Details: Graphics applied on hospital-grade vinyl for selected walls.

   • Budget: $17,500 + GST for artist fees; fabrication and installation costs covered.

Both projects emphasized community engagement and cultural reflection, giving artists the opportunity to enhance the hospital’s environment meaningfully.

Applications closed at midnight on Sunday, 20 October 2024. Shortlisted applicants were invited to submit detailed project proposals.

Health Infrastructure’s Arts in Health program continues to guide the inclusion of art in NSW healthcare, enriching the experiences of consumers, staff, and carers through collaboration with staff and communities. Additional projects for the Gunnedah Hospital arts program will be announced as they are initiated.