(L-R) Artist Elaine Chambers-Hegarty, Allira Schafer Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer, Kellie Stockton Allied Health Director, Jackie Hanson Chief Executive Metro North Health and Helen Boocock Executive Director

At the recent Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan launch, the STARS artwork was also officially launched.

Aborignal artist Elaine Chambers-Hegarty, from Cultural Edge Design, was commissioned to design the artwork in partnership with STARS Executive and staff. Elaine is an Aboriginal graphic designer and artist with cultural links to the Koa (Guwa) and Kuku Yalanji people.

The artwork created for STARS shows the journey one needs to a successful recovery. The right bottom corner has stepping stones connecting us to the location close to the river and adding all the qualities of what water means for us and influenced by the Water Ceremony.

The left shows journeys of recovery, with messages of healing along the way through our message sticks, but these days through the staff and their knowledge, modern medicines, and healing hands.

The top left shows the community connection and closeness, which is also on the flow through the centre – community and staff involvement. The top right shows values and cultural support connecting through the rehabilitation journey.

Australian Unity have an extensive collection of artwork on display throughout STARS and the broader Herston Quarter Heritage Precinct, with a significant number of artworks from First Nations artists.

We hope to profile more of the wonderful art collection in upcoming newsletter editions.