Staff across Bayside Health’s six regional sites helped create artwork and learnt about First Nations culture to recognise National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.
Healthcare staff create art on their journey to reconciliation
July 9, 2026
First Nations artist Steve Parker demonstrates traditional First Nations tools and instruments to staff at Leongatha Memorial Hospital.
They joined with First Nations artist Steve Parker to complete artworks to tell the story of Bayside Health Regional.
The works feature designs unique to each site, reflecting the surrounding geography and fauna. They feature traditional cultural symbols and a flowing design element that connects the regional sites.
The artworks will be displayed at Kooweerup Hospital, Korumburra Hospital, Leongatha Memorial Hospital, Wonthaggi Hospital, San Remo site and Phillip Island Community Hospital.
Bayside Health Regional CEO Lou Sparkes said it was important that the health service joins our First Nations community not only in the shared journey of reconciliation, but also by celebrating First Nations culture.
“By standing alongside our First Nations community, our staff learn about their culture and how we can continue to develop our awareness of delivering culturally safe care,” she said.
“Making our hospitals and sites culturally safe for First Nations people is essential to encouraging them to seek healthcare when they need it, leading to better health outcomes.”
Steve also spoke of the uses of First Nations tools and instruments such as didgeridoos, even showing a spearhead found at Inverloch.
Phillip Island Community Hospital staff display the artwork they made with First Nations artist Steve Parker, right of painting.
Staff at Kooweerup Hospital with the artwork they created with First Nations artist Steve Parker, left of painting.
Wonthaggi Hospital staff display the artwork they made with First Nations artist Steve Parker, right of painting.