Artists with local creative connections selected for Gunnedah Hospital design

Four artists with strong local connections to Gunnedah have been selected to deliver a series of artworks that will feature in the Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment.

The NSW Government is investing $53 million in the redevelopment, which will include a new acute services building, housing an expanded emergency department (ED) and a modern birthing, maternity, and inpatient unit, which will support contemporary models of care.

The artworks will be located in the new acute services building and provide comfort to patients, visitors and staff.

Artists Warwick Keen and Ronald (Ronnie) Long have been commissioned to create an artwork together, which will be integrated into an outdoor canopy at the new ED entrance.

Ronnie Long was born and raised in Gunnedah and has been involved in numerous arts projects within the community, including the railway mural. His time spent exploring the landscape and fauna of the area has inspired many of his works.

Warwick Keen lived in Mullaley and Gunnedah for much of his youth before relocating for study. Warwick has been inspired by his great-aunt Ms Violet Robinson (OAM) in learning about Aboriginal culture, caring and sharing.

His artworks range from murals to large scale installations and have featured at Vivid Sydney.

“To have my artwork incorporated into the infrastructure of the new Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment and to be collaborating with Ronnie Long is a real gift for me,” Mr Keen said.

“I feel very proud for the both of us to have been given this fantastic opportunity.”

Artworks created by Rachael Passfield and Monique Hope will also be featured in the new ED and birthing suite.

Artist Rachael Passfield.

Rachael Passfield is a local teacher, mother and artist who actively contributes to the local community. Her artwork will bring joy and provide a distraction for patients and carers within the paediatric space of the new ED.

“I absolutely love the Gunnedah community and cherish the many special connections and friendships I have developed since moving here,” Ms Passfield said.

“I am thrilled to share my artwork with the community through this project.”

Born in Gunnedah and now living in Tamworth, Monique Hope retains strong ties to the Gunnedah community through family and business. Monique’s artwork is proposed to support the consumer experience within the new ED and birthing suite.

Artist Monique Hope.

“Some of my earliest creative inspirations came from Gunnedah, drawing horses with my Nan and painting cubby houses with my Pop,”  Ms Hope said.

“Gunnedah has always been, and continues to be, an important part of my life and a source of inspiration in my artistic journey.”

In the coming months, the successful artists will begin creating their artwork, with the new hospital building due to be completed by the end of 2025.

The artworks form part of Health Infrastructure’s Arts in Health program, which guides the inclusion of arts into the NSW healthcare system to improve patient, staff and carer experiences in health services. The commissioning of artworks is carried out in collaboration with NSW Health staff and the community.

Health infrastructure executive director, rural and regional, Amanda Bock, said the designs will create welcoming and supportive spaces throughout the new health facility.

“I’m really pleased to announce the selection of these artists whose works will create welcoming spaces throughout the new facility, giving it a unique local identity,” Ms Bock said.

“We know that integrating art, storytelling, dance and music into our health facilities can promote healing and provide a more positive experience for patients, staff and visitors.”