Thanks to the support of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation community, a new artwork in Rose Ward is helping create a more welcoming and culturally safe space for Aboriginal children and families.

At the Heart of Healing reflects a shared commitment to ensuring every family feels seen, respected and supported during their time in hospital.

Created by artist Tanaya Antony, the artwork places nurses and health workers at its centre, representing the heart of the ward. Surrounding them are 19 smaller camps, representing each patient bed and the many families who pass through. Flowing purple travelling lines connect each space, symbolising that patients, families and staff are all part of one connected community.

“The artwork encourages all who enter this ward, during difficult times in their lives or their child’s to feel uplifted by the brightness, and to feel welcomed, seen, and part of something greater,” shares Tanaya.

“It is a place where all mob are welcomed, encouraged to speak up for their needs and feel safe, as healing happens through care, compassion and nurture.”

Smaller decals around the ward extend the artwork’s story, helping create a sense of connection, comfort and continuity throughout each space.

The artwork reminds us that healing is shaped not only by clinical care, but also by kindness, culture and a strong sense of belonging.

A shared effort

This project, initiated by Rose Ward staff member Paula Armstrong, was a collaboration between the artist, ward staff, consumers and the Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing Division. The artist was supported by the WCH Foundation Arts in Health team in partnership with Ochre Dawn.

For Tanaya, Narungga artist, born and raised on Kaurna Land, the project held special meaning. Having spent time in hospital as a child, she brought both cultural knowledge and lived experience to the work.

As Tanaya shared, “This is the most meaningful artwork I have ever created.”

This artwork reflects what’s possible when we work together with respect and purpose, creating spaces where children and families feel safe, connected and supported.

With the support of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation (WCH Foundation), students from Hospital School at the WCH recently had the unique opportunity to combine art and environmental education in a two-day workshop led by renowned community artist and educator, Deb Twining.

The workshop was part of the inspiring Great Southern Reef installation, ‘We Speak for the Seas’, and brought together creativity, learning, and a shared passion for protecting our oceans.

Junior and Senior students engaged in cross-curricular activities, exploring the extraordinary biodiversity of the Southern Ocean while learning printmaking techniques using recycled materials. Printed sea creatures were created using recycled Tetra Pak milk cartons, transformed through scratching, tearing, inking and repeated printing using the traditional intaglio process. Marine plants were formed using leftover paint, scraped and collaged into layered compositions.

The result? Stunning collaborative collages that now proudly adorn the corridors outside the Hospital School.

One student shared, “This art represents the love and care for the sea,” with another sharing that “The art makes me think that I can help look after the sea and the animals that live there.”

Deb Twining, an established artist with a background in visual arts and installation work, is known for her thoughtful and nurturing approach to creativity. Her passion and expertise shone through as she guided students and teachers in creating meaningful art that speaks to the importance of ocean conservation.

This workshop, proudly supported by the WCH Foundation Arts in Health program, not only allowed every student to contribute to the collaborative artwork but also left a lasting impression on the Hospital Community.  

The completed collages are now on display in the Blue Gallery at the Hospital, located on the Ground Floor outside Hospital School.

A heartfelt thank you to Deb Twining for sharing her skills and passion, and to the students and teachers who brought this project to life. 

To learn more about the Galleries or to purchase an artwork head to www.wchfoundation.org.au/galleryprogram or email artsinhealth@wchfoundation.org.au.