Led by Far West Local Health District with Aboriginal Elders and knowledge holders on Barkandji Country, the event included a traditional smoking ceremony, as well as didgeridoo, song, poem recital and dance performances and was attended by staff, visitors and community members.
Barkandji Elder, Aunty Clair Bates said cultural burning is an ancient fire practice which has been used by Aboriginal people for over 60,000 years.
“Cleansing the land is an integral part of our connection with Country to restore and rejuvenate the land spiritually, and today’s ceremony signifies that this hospital will be a healthy and safe place where the whole community can come to be healed,” Aunty Clair Bates said.
“We have worked closely with the project team on the design of this important new health facility to make it a place welcoming to all.
“The Aboriginal Advisory Group has helped inform the design of the new hospital and we are delighted to see that the main entry plays homage to the red river gums (scar trees) located along the rivers and the landscaping design includes a sensory garden for palliative care with an adjacent yarning circle. The planting around the new hospital and in the gardens will also include medicinal and bush tucker plants.”
The existing Wentworth hospital site will be transformed as part of the $30 million Wentworth Health Service redevelopment to enhance health services and facilities for the region.
Chief Executive Far West LHD, Brad Astill said connection to Country was a key element in the design, reflected by the inpatient unit rooms overlooking the Darling River, offering a therapeutic environment for patients, and their families, as they receive treatment and care.
“The Wentworth community is one step closer to gaining its new health facility, with the land being prepared in readiness for construction planned to start later this year,” Mr Astill said.
“Today’s event is important to recognise, respect and continue traditional Aboriginal practices and acknowledge the continuing connection to land, culture and community.
“We want this new, modern hospital to be a culturally safe and welcoming place that supports the health needs of the entire Wentworth community.”
The new hospital design has been shaped by locals, clinicians and health staff who have participated in the working groups and consultation sessions during the planning and design process.
Embedding community stories is equally important to shaping landscape and architectural designs. Supported by the Arts Working Group, a focus on the history of the health service and the inclusion of young people through visual arts displays, are being proposed throughout the new building, ensuring the new service reflects the Wentworth community – past and future.
“We are excited to be working with the Arts Working Group, the District’s Aboriginal Health and Community Relations Department, health staff and the broader community to look at how we can best reflect and celebrate the unique stories, heritage and culture from across the region in the new health service,” Mr Astill said.