Celebrating National Reconciliation Week through art

To commemorate National Reconciliation Week, St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital café has received a vibrant lift with the installation of new Aboriginal artwork by local Noongar Elder, Juanetia (Neta) Knapp.

1 Jun 2022

Photo: St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital caregivers Paul Faraguna and Liz Beal displaying the Belia Koort painting.

The painting, which has also been printed as a glass decal, depicts the six Noongar seasons.

Titled, ‘Belia Koort’, which translates to ‘River Heart’, the piece gestures to the hospital’s location next to the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River).

St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital CEO Vanessa Unwin shared her gratitude for Neta’s ongoing contribution to the organisation.

“We are extremely privileged to learn from Neta, who dedicates her time to teaching us about Noongar culture and history, partnering with our caregivers and supporting our Reconciliation Action Plan.”

“Many of the Aboriginal artworks displayed in our hospital are a result of Neta’s thoughtful collaboration with members of our hospital community,” she said.

“The Belia Koort painting invites the viewer to reflect on the seasons of life and consider the connection between the seasons and the ebbs and flows of our health and wellbeing.”

“I also hope the artwork encourages us all to consider how we can make meaningful contributions to our reconciliation journey through our every day actions,” Vanessa said.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has limited gatherings within the hospital, many caregivers celebrated the start of National Reconciliation Week by attending Reconciliation WA’s NRW Virtual Breakfast.

Learn more about St John of God Health Care’s Reconciliation Action Plan.