An Arts in Health project initiated as part the Goulburn Base Hospital Redevelopment has made a
significant impact in the life of a local Aboriginal teen, motivating him to pursue a creative career.
With the Hospital located on Gandangara and Ngunnawal & Wiradjuri lands, NSW Health
Infrastructure and Southern NSW Local Health District engaged National Aboriginal Design Agency
(NADA) in 2020 to lead the creation of artworks for the Hospital Redevelopment through
collaboration with Community.
A series of art workshops were facilitated across four local high schools, from which student designs were selected and incorporated into the hospital’s new internal stairwell wall. One of the designs belonged to then 16-year-old Crookwell High School student Brock Chudleigh. To Brock’s delight, his design was additionally chosen to feature along the external stairwell to the main entrance. Completed in November 2021, the artwork is the centerpiece of welcome to the Goulburn Base Hospital.
Reflecting on his contribution, Brock said that “It has given me great honour to see it featured and my family are so proud of me. Some of my tribe from the South Coast have also told me they’re very proud of me.”
“Seeing my artwork come to life has also given me more motivation to continue my artwork and strive to learn more about my culture.”
Health Infrastructure’s Program Director, Arts, Brigette Uren said that “It’s terrific to see the work of young artists like Brock featured in our hospitals and engaging youth in our arts programs enables them to be an active part of this process.”
This project reflects the key role Aboriginal students and the wider Aboriginal community are playing in the integration of art in the design of numerous hospital and health services projects right across NSW.
