Pictured: The buriburi-inspired artwork as seen on the eastern facade of the link bridge between the new children's hospital building (visible on the right) and the Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Services Building. A charming illustration of a humpback whale travelling along Sydney's coastline now adorns the façade of the sixty-metre-long clinical link bridge connecting the new children's hospital building to the Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Service Building (ASB).
The design is more than just decoration; it’s an interpretation of a Dreaming story passed down by the original occupiers of the land.
Dharawal Elder Lola Ryan led the creation of the artwork by retelling the story of the buriburi, or whale, to patients and siblings at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.
"The whale, the buriburi, travels up the coast, and one of its resting places is Sydney Harbour, along with all of our bays at Coogee and Maroubra."
The grandmother, who has recently marked 21 years as an Aboriginal Health Worker at Randwick, shared her learnings with children in the Hospital School, wards and outpatient units, who helped create the illustrations that feature on the link bridge facade.
The National Aboriginal Design Agency and Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation proudly supported the workshops. For Aunty Lola, the process was about more than simply creating art; it presented an important opportunity to share her culture with the next generation.
"I grew up on the Aboriginal Reserve, called Missions, so I didn’t grow up with culture because you weren’t allowed to speak the language or practice Aboriginal culture," said Aunty Lola.
The culture needs to be taught, and it’s very important for it to live on. It gives our people a sense of belonging and knowing where they come from.
“We were here, and we didn’t know what that meant to us when we were kids."
With the building set to open from November, Aunty Lola said showing her grandchildren the artwork will be a special moment.
"It will probably be a bit emotional," said Aunty Lola.
The link bridge artwork is just one element in the new hospital and research centre building that celebrates local Aboriginal culture.
Language, art and design elements supported by Aboriginal staff, families and community groups, such as the Gujaga Foundation, will feature prominently throughout the building, including a new playground.
Designed in partnership with the local community and also inspired by the buriburi story, the whale-themed play space will include a climbing feature, various slides, hanging structures, hammocks, sensory features and quiet areas.
Seating and landscaping will enable the space to be enjoyed by children in hospital beds and wheelchairs, creating an inclusive and welcoming area for all ages and abilities.
Construction of the much-anticipated recreation space is currently underway, in readiness for when the SCH1/MCCCC building opens in late 2025.
Published March 2025