Story Behind the Artwork
The Canterbury Hospital Gumnut Ward mural celebrates Aboriginal culture, connection to Country, family and the importance of care and healing.
The artwork features a whale, representing a local totem animal, alongside marine life such as fish and pipis, acknowledging the importance of waterways and the traditional foods collected and eaten by Aboriginal people. Bush plants represent traditional medicines and bush tucker, while the kangaroo reflects native wildlife found on Country.
The eel, an important Dreaming animal, connects the artwork to Aboriginal cultural stories and knowledge passed down through generations.
Gumnuts are incorporated throughout the design to reflect the identity of the hospital’s paediatric ward, while footprints symbolise the healing journeys undertaken by children and their families.
U-shaped symbols represent the men and women who provide care, comfort and support to families, while emus symbolise the nurturing relationship between parents and children.
Together, these elements create a meaningful artwork that celebrates cultural knowledge, family connections, strength and healing, bringing a sense of comfort and belonging to the children, families and staff of Gumnut Ward.