THE BETTER TOGETHER ARTWORK STORY

A BETTER LIFESTYLE THROUGH OUR HEALTH CARERS

BY ELAINE CHAMBERS-HEGARTY

© The State of Queensland (Metro North Hospital and Health Service) 2022

My design has the inspiration of the Moreton Bay region, and concentrates on the Better Together Plan and what it delivers for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community and the positive outcome it brings to the health and wellbeing of our mob.

Four icons that flow across the artwork, shows a timeline from the care and strong start to life when a child is born, then onto a healthy heart beat and hands to embrace showing the care of our people to influence a healthy lifestyle to reduce the burden of disease. The next icon shows the tree and represents growth and complex care of those in need. There are two message stick symbols that represent the communication with cultural awareness given from the staff during times of crisis. Whilst the the last icon which has the medical cross and the shape above of a gunya to represent care at home or elsewhere, and living longer with the care provided, taking into account the social, emotional, and mental wellbeing of clients and their families.

Circle markings represent the gathering areas and the coming together in community. The crosshatching in my artwork represents the structure and support of the policies established amongst the plan – similar to the crosshatchings on a weaving and how it all holds combines together. Whilst the middle image of the people show them as enjoying the healthy outcomes. I have added the two animals that are relevent to this area, and was a food source for the people many years ago.