While no one hopes to be at the emergency room anytime soon, if someone finds themselves walking past the Gunnedah Hospital’s new facility, it may be worth looking up.

What can be seen is an intricate design of Australian animals and local rivers that represent the land.

Warwick Keen and Ronald Long were the creative forces behind the designs seen in the shelter leading into the arrival point of the new emergency section.

It was a mix of talent between the two, with Ronald producing the manual painting and drawings while Warwick used his Photoshop and computer skills to create a design.

The finished product is titled ‘Where the Mooki meets the Namoi’.

Look up: Warwick Keen and Ronald Long are the artists behind ‘Where the Mooki meets the Namoi’, the design on the shelter leading into the new Gunnedah Hospital emergency entrance. Those passing by may see animals and rivers in the design.

As some may have guessed, it features two rivers, the Namoi and the Mooki.

“They’re both important within Aboriginal culture for survival – food to eat and enjoyment,” Warwick said.

Ronald had a previous artwork that fit their theme with further images produced by the artists that were put together for the design.

Warwick said a total of 200-300 versions were created before settling on a design that can be seen today.

“It tells the story of Gunnedah very well because of the rivers and the totems. So all those animals … the kangaroo, the emu, echidna, goanna, fish and long neck turtle,” he said.

“That’s a pretty good representation of totems throughout this area.”

He needed to consider how the shelter would be constructed to ensure the design would not be disrupted by the essential structure.

“I spent a lot of time doing it so I think the results are pretty good,” he said.

He also commended the artists’ work that are featured on the inside of the hospital including the work of Rachael Passfield, Monique Hope and Shannon Stone.

“It’s really good to see the colour … to raise people’s spirits and I like the idea of the water wrapped around the back of the birthing bath in there to make our mothers feel comfortable,” he said.

“It has been good to be a part of it.”

The birthing tub with Monique Hope’s artwork, which was inspired by the gentle, flowing water of the Namoi River.