Harmony of Boundaries Artwork

If you’ve found yourself walking past or going into Hesse Rural Health’s main building on Gosney Street in Winchelsea at any point in the past year, you would have noticed a captivating mural of mixed media just off to the left of the main doors.

The captivating artwork installation was designed by esteem Worimi Artist, Gerard Black. Commissioned for Hesse, this piece is a testament to the profound connection between the land, water and skies that cover the area Hesse serves. At its core, this installation pays homage to the ancestral custodianship of two distinct traditional owner groups, the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar. Each brushstroke and carving in the piece were made with a reverence of the resilience and adaptability of the native species.

The flowing water, the central essence of the piece, symbolizes the dynamic boundary between the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar territories. It embodies the life-giving force that binds these two nations, offering sustenance, vitality and a sense of continuity.

The flora and fauna depicted within the artwork mirror the indigenous biodiversity seen in the large region Hesse serves, that is significant to Wadawurrung country and Eastern Maar lands. The connection to nature is integral to the ethos of Hesse, where the environment is recognised as a vital factor in the holistic well-being of patients.

The rising sun on Wadawurrung (in the top right corner) signifies not only the dawn of a new day but also the promise of renewal and growth. Conversely, the setting sun over Eastern Maar (in the bottom left corner) ushers in the night, revealing the tapestry of stars that illuminate the sky. This celestial cycle is a reminder of the enduring presence of ancestors and creators, a connection that transcends time and place.

Above the lands and waters, the wedge-tail eagle soars, a symbol of strength and vision, while the cockatoos dance in a chorus, representing the vibrancy and communal spirit of the land. Their watchful gaze from the skies is a constant, reminding all who pass through the Hesse service area of the ever-present connection to the land, water and sky.

Harmony of Boundaries is more than an artwork. It is a living embodiment of the spirit that defines Hesse Rural Health. It serves as a testament to the enduring relationship between humanity and the natural world; reminding all who interact with it of their place within this greater tapestry of existence.

This artwork was commissioned by Hesse Rural Health as a way for us to deepen our reconciliation efforts and actively partner with First Nations communities to improve care and health outcomes. As a health service, we take our responsibility to all our consumers seriously, in particular those who have faced systemic discrimination and not been given the same opportunities for optimal health. This artwork is just a small way to communicate to the community that we are a safe space for everyone.

If you haven’t yet noticed or taken the time to properly behold the mural out the front of the main building on Gosney Street in Winchelsea, we recommend all take a small amount of time out of their day to admire and consider the elements of the artwork.