weaving workshops for new unit
The Tamworth community has been getting involved with the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit, with Gamilaroi woman Amy Hammond running a series of butterfly weaving workshops for artwork that will feature in the new unit.
Ms Hammond is one of three local artists engaged to produce unique artworks for the new mental health unit, and is a member of Yinarr Maramali, which means ‘made by Gamilaroi woman’s hands’.
The group has extensive experience delivering a range of creative projects, including cultural weaving, exhibitions and large-scale community collaborative works.
Ms Hammond says she is proud and excited to be part of a meaningful art project that is deeply rooted in Gamilaroi storytelling and community wellbeing.
“I use native grasses and responsibly sourced materials, collected and prepared by hand. My work harnesses the physicality and materiality of traditional Murri and Koori weaving to create contemporary objects and narratives,” Ms Hammond said.
“Through their story and connection, I hope the balabalas (butterflies) bring a sense of warmth to the foyer of the new unit for those on their mental health journey.
“The weaving workshops will provide an opportunity for community and Banksia staff to learn to weave and be part of making something very special for the new mental health facility.”
Health Infrastructure Executive Director of Rural and Regional Amanda Bock said the cultural weavings will transform the main entry atrium of the new unit into a welcoming arrival space.
“Integrating art and storytelling into mental health facilities plays an important role in supporting healing and enhancing the experience for consumers, staff and visitors,” Ms Bock said.
Hunter New England Local Health District General Manager, Mental Health Services Jonathan Holt said the artworks will give the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit a distinct, local identity and will comfort those who receive care and work in the clinical spaces.
“The artworks will enhance the new unit which is designed to provide welcoming safe and supportive mental health services for adults and young people in the New England and north-west regions of NSW,” Mr Holt said.
In addition to the cultural weaving, Ms Hammond has been commissioned to supply a sculptural work that will transform the main entry atrium into a welcoming arrival space.
The other local artists preparing artworks for the facility are Tess Reading and Audrey Trindall. More local artists are being enlisted to adorn meeting and interview rooms, as well as patient rooms.
Health Infrastructure’s Arts in Health program guides the inclusion of arts into the NSW Health system to improve patient, staff and carer experiences in health services. The commissioning of artworks is carried out in collaboration with NSW Health staff and the community.
The new Tamworth Mental Health unit is being built on the Tamworth Hospital campus and will replace the current Banksia facility.
The new facility will include:
• four adolescent inpatient beds
• 20 general adult beds, as well as a five-bed adult high acuity zone
• an eight-bed older persons area
The project is being delivered by Hunter New England Local Health District and Health Infrastructure as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.
Tamworth artist Amy Hammond.