In a project aimed at making the health service feel safer and more welcoming for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, six Aboriginal totem poles have been installed at Casino and District Memorial Hospital in northern New South Wales.
The artworks, opened this week, line the driveway leading to the hospital's main entrance and follow a community-led process which has taken almost two years to complete.
Set on Bundjalung Country, Casino —known as Djanangmum — sits on land traditionally cared for by the Galibul people.
For generations, the area has been an important meeting place for Bundjalung clans for ceremony, trade and cultural exchange.
Hospital leaders say the installation is about more than visual change.
The six poles were designed to strengthen cultural safety at the hospital and help Aboriginal patients feel more comfortable when seeking care.
The totem poles were hand painted by Aboriginal residents at the Balund-a residential diversionary program, each reflecting part of the natural world, including animals, bush foods and water.
Northern NSW Local Health District Acting Director of Aboriginal Health, Cameron Johnson, said the project had been driven by strong local effort.
"We are delighted to celebrate the completion and installation of these significant works and congratulate Casino Hospital's Aboriginal Liaison Officer Gloria Torrens for working with the community to bring this project to life," he said.
"This initiative forms part of our Partnering with Consumers strategy, supporting Aboriginal community members to feel culturally safe, respected, and welcomed when accessing care at Casino Hospital.
"Aboriginal people experience better health outcomes when the hospital environment respects their identity, culture, and community.
"Safety is not only physical, but also emotional, cultural, and spiritual."
Casino and District Memorial Hospital Executive Director of Nursing, Sandra Vidler, said the work was particularly important given the make-up of the hospital's patient population.
"Aboriginal people make up a significant portion of our patient population at Casino Hospital, with 21.5 per cent of people presenting to our Emergency Department to date this financial year identifying as Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander," she said.
"When Aboriginal people feel safe and respected, they seek healthcare sooner, speak more openly and receive the care they deserve, (which) is crucial as we work towards closing the gap in healthcare for Indigenous people.
"We hope these totem poles signal our commitment to surrounding Aboriginal communities and help provide reassurance they are always welcome here."
Casino Hospital Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Gloria Torrens, said the project had relied on support from across the local community.
"A hospital is a place of healing, and it is important Aboriginal people feel welcome and safe when they access healthcare," she said.
"This has been a whole of community effort, and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has given their time and support to help make this dream a reality."
