Clients, staff and carers at Wagga hospital’s Mental Heath Acute Unit this week welcomed two specially designed artworks, amid celebrations for Mental Health Month.

The unveiling follows a Murrumbidgee Local Health District $2000 grant, that was awarded for the creation of a mural in the high dependency unit and a painting in the low dependency unit. 

Manager Inpatient Services Sharlene Brown said engagement like this, helped bring greater awareness to the need for community, health, wellness and the journey to recovery.

Indigenous mural creators David and Georgina O’Neill said their piece was all about a shared journey to recovery and the relationship between carers and consumers. 

A mental health clinician trainer, Mrs O’Neill said patients from “out country” could come and feel a strong sense of connectedness. 

Narrandera Indigenous artist Owen Lyons spent 170 hours creating a piece, that he said represented all Aboriginal people, to inspire reflection for all. 

“We need to take the stigma away from mental illness and raise more awareness,” Mr Lyons said. 

“It’s affecting more and more in everyone’s daily lives.”