Primary and secondary school students from throughout the Great Lakes and Manning have shared their artistic flair with Manning Hospital's tranquility garden.
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Students from Manning Valley Anglican and Taree Christian colleges, Chatham High School, Chatham, Taree West, Taree, Forster and Wingham Brush public schools along with Great Lakes College senior campus Tuncurry took part in a working bee/art day on Friday, June 14 to paint Indigenous inspired designs on poles within the garden.
The call was put out by Hunter New England Health, with eager responses from schools coming in droves.
Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer Mel Harrison was thrilled with the enthusiasm shown by all students, Aboriginal education officers and art teachers.
"They're (the students) right into it and as the future of the hospital they understand how important it is," Mel said.
It's a calming place for people to come down to sit quietly and have a chance to reflect on their health journey between treatments.
- Mel Harrison
After the designs were completed, Chatham High School's Aboriginal dancers group performed.
Turning the bland, grey poles into works of art complements the desired effect of the garden.
"It's a calming place for people to come down to sit quietly and have a chance to reflect on their health journey between treatments," Mel said.
"It also brings vibrancy to the hospital."
The garden is located beneath the new chemotherapy and renal services outpatients building.
The hospital thanked all staff and students for their input and support of the project.
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