The Walawaani project was developed as part of Eurobodalla Health Service’s ‘Arts in Health’ program, in partnership with the South East Arts ‘Swell Arts and Health Strategy’.

The Walawaani project aims to creatively transform health service spaces to embrace cultural healing needs and practices by creating places of welcome.

New signage welcomes the community to the health service buildings, featuring the word ‘Walawaani’ which means ‘hello and welcome’ in Yuin country - Dhurga language.

The project connects Aboriginal language with local Aboriginal artists: Cheryl Davison, Natalie Bateman and the Art Group from Katungul Aboriginal Medical Service. The group were commissioned to provide original artworks that have been incorporated into the signage.

Funding for the program was provided by the NSW Health Minister following the launch of the NSW State Government’s Health and the Arts Framework in 2016.

The welcome signage is located in prominent positions at the entrance to the health facilities at Narooma Community Health Service;  Moruya Hospital Main Entry, Cancer Care and Renal Unit, Sub Acute Unit, Pathways building and Batemans Bay Hospital Main Entry and Community Health service.

The project will help Aboriginal people feel more welcome and confident in accessing health care services, and to expose and promote the traditional languages of the Yuin culture.

The project also aims to make hospital/health spaces more inviting and less daunting for Aboriginal people, and instill pride in their arts and culture.

Moruya Hospital has three artists’ works represented.