NAIDOC week 2020, which sees a number of events celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people take place, is upon us.
Originally organised by the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC), these events seek to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
In recognition of this, Q-bital Healthcare Solutions – a national supplier of mobile and modular hospital and healthcare facilities – has launched an initiative to affirm its commitment to supporting indigenous communities.
Each time one of their healthcare facilities is set up, the company will acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands upon which it stands by commissioning a unique piece of art, which will be displayed at the entrance of the facility. Every design featured will be created by a local indigenous artist, and will illustrate a small piece of the extraordinarily rich history of storytelling from the Dreamtime.
The most recent artwork to be commissioned is painted by eminent Toowoomba artist Domi Doolamai, and speaks of the birth of ‘Munda’ – the Earth. It illustrates a very uplifting story that describes how the world was given life, how the world was able to take it first breath, and how with each creation of rivers, trees and animals, the world took another breath.
The painting, which has recently been presented to the local hospital hosting the new healthcare facility, represents a positive symbol for healthcare workers and patients alike. Each time they enter a Q-bital operating theatre or ward, the piece will wish patients well, and also acknowledge the warrior-like fight healthcare workers undertake each and every day.
It is hoped the initiative will be seen as a modest way to show respect to the Indigenous communities around Australia and the Torres Straits, and that it will help increase awareness of the rich and vast heritage of the original inhabitants of this land, about which we still have much to learn.
NAIDOC Week celebrations were held between 8-15 November 2020.
