A new outdoor space dedicated to Aboriginal patients, staff, and visitors has been unveiled at the Narrandera District Hospital. This thoughtfully designed area features a beautiful mural by Narrandera-based Wiradjuri artist Owen Lyons, as well as the creation of a yarning circle and Sorry Business area. 

The space has been developed through consultation with local Elders and students from nearby schools, fostering a strong sense of community and cultural connection. As part of the project, students had the opportunity to be involved in the painting of the mural, deepening their understanding of Wiradjuri culture and traditions. 

The mural tells a powerful story about Elders gathering at a meeting place along the Murrambidya (Murrumbidgee) River, passing on vital knowledge of ancestral lands to younger generations. The image of hands covering the mural symbolises the transfer of this knowledge, which includes the teaching of the land's features and the location of bush foods and other resources - essential for the survival of culture and traditions. 

The new yarning circle and Sorry Business area aim to provide a welcoming and respectful environment for Aboriginal people within the hospital, ensuring that cultural needs are supported during times of healing and mourning. 

Narrandera Shire Councillor Braden Lyons said, "The yarning circle is a special display of cultural artwork, but it is so much more than that, it will be a place where mob and families can gather to be there for each other when someone is at the end of their life, to sit and reflect, laugh, celebrate, cry and support each other in such hard times."

"I was proud to be at the opening surrounded by our Elders and community members. Thank you to Uncle Owen Lyons who painted this amazing Yarning Circle, Shaun Lyons and Community Health who facilitated this, NP and NHS students who added their handprints and helped paint the yarning circle and everyone else who contributed and helped make it possible."