A 30-metre-long mural, crafted by local Aboriginal students from Caldera School, has been installed on the walls of the new $723.3 million
Tweed Valley Hospital, offering a vibrant homage to their cultural heritage and the natural beauty of Tweed Heads.
This collaborative artwork, under the guidance of artist and teacher Kobie Bursac, aims to create a welcoming and culturally sensitive space for all, particularly Aboriginal community members.
The project, involving students Ashlea Daley, Cody Murray, Kayden Smith, Mia Brown, Shakayha Cora, and Trey Windley, is part of a broader mentoring program at Caldera School, designed to nurture cultural pride and belonging.
The artwork, named “Journey,” drew inspiration from the region’s rich natural environment to develop the concept and colour palette, and intertwines elements of the Tweed hinterland with elements of each student’s individual cultural identities.
The artwork is prominently positioned in the new hospital, with the mural extending from the West entry, past the Emergency Department, to the central lobby, enhancing the hospital environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
The artwork forms part of the hospital’s Arts in Health program, which includes more than 70 artworks, created by 30 local artists across 17 clinical wards.
Heath Infrastructure’s
Arts in Health Program integrates arts into NSW Health capital works to create engaging public health spaces and improve clinical health and wellbeing outcomes for patients, staff and visitors.
The new Tweed Valley Hospital is set to open to patients in May.