Symbol of welcome celebrated through public artwork at Prince of Wales Hospital

Learn more about the story behind ‘Gum leaves’ - a major public art project featuring prominently in the forecourt of the new Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Services Building at Randwick.
Created by artist and long-term patient of Prince of Wales Hospital, Dr Peter Yanada McKenzie (Eora/Anaiwan) and artist, Jonathan Jones (Wiradjuri/ Kamilaroi), the artwork uses sandblasted pavers to provide a prominent and embracing welcome to all Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. As part of a series of unique and distinct art and cultural displays at building’s main entrance, the artwork is a true reflection and celebration of continued culture on country.
With large-scale yet intricate outlines of gum leaves etched into the pavement, the artwork mimics the bush floor with an array of leaves scattered across the forecourt, as if they have fallen from above or are left over from an ancestral ceremony.
“To be made ‘welcome’ in terms of Aboriginal cultural practice is a most important and significant act of mutual acceptance, to greet new friends and visitors to country or other significant places, such as this new icon of healing, with the assurance of goodwill.”
“As a respected elder and cultural representative of my Aboriginal community at La Perouse (on whose land council area the Prince of Wales Hospital is situated), I believe the use of Australian native gumtree leaves, as used in our traditional and now contemporary Welcome to Country smoking ceremonies, is a magnificent symbolic gesture as a ‘welcoming device’ to the hospital’s visitors.” - Dr Peter Yanada McKenzie (La Perouse Aboriginal Community)
Acknowledgements:
‘Gum leaves’ was commissioned by Health Infrastructure on behalf of South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and made possible with support of the artists, Randwick Campus Redevelopment Arts & Culture Committee and project team, BVN Architecture, Aspect Studios, Lendlease, Sam the Paving Man and Comcut.
We acknowledge Prince of Wales Hospital is on the traditional lands of the Bidiagal people of the Dharawal Nation.
Video filmed and produced by Magpie Creative.
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