New Indigenous Artworks Installed at Lismore Base Hospital’s Women’s Care Unit

Two new Indigenous artworks have been unveiled at the Women’s Care Unit (WCU) at Lismore Base Hospital, enriching the space with cultural meaning and emotional depth. Created by Widjabul Wiabul artists Val Smith and Nunja Caldwell, these works offer a visual and spiritual connection to Country, healing, and the importance of community.

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Val Smith’s piece, Sitting in Flowers (2025), reflects on the nurturing embrace of Mother Earth and the joy of reconnecting with nature. “My spirit lightens as I walk through the path of flowers,” says Smith. “The scent of childhood fills my memories, and I am reminded of the sweetness of Mother Earth. I see mob protecting, loving, and nurturing each other through our time here.”

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Nunja Caldwell’s work, The Little Things (2025), focuses on gratitude and the beauty found in everyday moments. “This piece highlights the significance of recognising and appreciating the positive aspects of your surroundings,” explains Caldwell. “It emphasises the value of feeling gratitude for what you have and enjoying the small pleasures in life, including your relationships, connections, conversations, and the beauty of nature.”

These new additions complement an existing collection of artworks created by Bundjalung and Githabul artists, part of an ongoing collaboration between Arts Northern Rivers, the Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service (AMIHS), and the Northern New South Wales Local Health District (NNSWLHD). Funded by Health NSW, this initiative continues to strengthen Indigenous representation in healthcare spaces, ensuring that the WCU remains a culturally safe and welcoming place for Bundjalung and Githabul women and their families.

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