A new mural at the Henley Unit at Macquarie Hospital is brightening up the courtyard in a bid to represent hope, optimism and the path to recovery for consumers and staff.

The Henley mural has been designed by Aboriginal artist Sandon Gibbs-O’Neill of Burruguu Art who was commissioned to produce the work by the district’s Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol service.

Sandon worked closely with the current consumers at the Henley Unit to bring the mural to life.

The mural was celebrated and officially welcomed to the unit with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Koomurri and Kjooragee.

NSLHD Clinical Lead for Aboriginal Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Michelle Lawrence said Sandon worked with both consumers and staff to provide knowledge and educate them on Darug people.

“The mural depicts an image of both clinicians and consumers, no one is more powerful rather we work together to achieve the consumers’ goals and support them on their road to recovery.

“This project continues to follow on from our Asking the Question animation and NSLHD’s commitment to working with our Aboriginal consumers and communities.”

Handprints of staff and consumers are incorporated in the piece to reflect each individual being open to learning and showing their true selves.

Director of Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Andrea Taylor said the mural is a reflection of the community and the positive relationships built between consumers, staff and the communities that the hospital serve.

“It highlights the cultural inclusiveness within the unit and importance of First Nations culture within the health sector,” she said.

Sandon will continue to enhance Aboriginal culture within Macquarie Hospital with a few murals to be completed at Northern Sydney Education and Conference Centre (NSECC).

The new mural joins two other murals at the hospital completed last year by Aboriginal artist Selwyn Williams.