22 September 2023

Today we unveiled a new and exciting artwork in our Emergency Department that will further strengthen our commitment to reconciliation and providing a culturally safe place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

Developed by artist Dixon Patten, a proud Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, Dhudhuroa man, this artwork represents our healing journey as individuals and as a collective. It honours the commitment of Austin Health in caring for community and was guided by our vision for reconciliation, where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have access to just, equitable and culturally safe healthcare.

“This artwork honours our health journey. Because of colonial impact there is still a lot of distrust in the system,” says Dixon.

“This looks to bring people together and create connection. We are stronger when we work together.”

We are one year into our second Reconciliation Action Plan which outlines our continued commitment to reconciliation and articulates the steps we will take to achieve our vision of all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples have access to culturally safe healthcare.

Promisingly, the number of Indigenous patients accessing our services has risen across all areas. There were 1,596 presentations of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients to the Emergency Department last year, which is an increase from 1,458 the previous year.

However, we know that not all patients feel safe when they access services and it’s our hope that by having artwork like this one, and continuing to increase the presence of services like Ngarra Jarra that we will see rates continue to rise.