General News
6 July, 2022
Indigenous artist on display
ARTWORK and crafts of Kirrae Wurrung artist Naomi ‘Rose’ Litster were placed on display this week as part of Terang Mortlake Health Service’s (TMHS) commitment to strengthening ties with the Indigenous community and celebrating NAIDOC Week.
ARTWORK and crafts of Kirrae Wurrung artist Naomi ‘Rose’ Litster were placed on display this week as part of Terang Mortlake Health Service’s (TMHS) commitment to strengthening ties with the Indigenous community and celebrating NAIDOC Week.
A range of paintings, flags and Indigenous-themed items, some of which are available for purchase, are now on display at the Josie Black Community Health Centre in Terang.
Among the displayed works is a piece inspired by the Hopkins River, which TMHS has purchased according to health promotion officer Steven Park.
“Rose’s art is ideal for us, telling a story about the rich cultural significance of the Framlingham swimming hole,” he said.
“It ties in perfectly with the TMHS health mandate as the swimming hole was not just a leisure swimming hole but a source of healthy food, water and embodied spiritual significance.
“Just like TMHS it was a centre of health for people to gather at.”
Ms Litster said she was proud to partner with TMHS as health services strengthening ties with the Indigenous community was an important step.
“I jumped right on the opportunity,” she said.
“I’m from Framlingham and we’ve got health centre out there called Kirrae Health Service, which my mum has worked at in the 20 odd years since it opened.
“She worked side by side with the doctors, as an Aboriginal doctor, and they do a lot in the community.
“So I feel for a health service to be supporting the Indigenous community is important and I’d like to build on that relationship to support people in need of help.”
Ms Litster said her artistic style has developed from the humble beginnings of wanting to establish a greater connection with her culture.
As a 10 year-old girl living in Melbourne, she had been interviewed by a magazine at school in which she was asked about herself and her culture.
The question left her with the realisation she still had questions of her own.
“We found out where we come from, my great, great, great grandmother was born out at Framlingham on the side of the Hopkins River,” Ms Litster said.
“We all went back up here and I got right in to it, so I’ve been painting and doing my arts and crafts all my life.”
Her artwork and craft has since taken her across Gunditjmara Country (south west Victoria), and across Victoria, speaking in hospitals, schools and with the community.
The cultural artistry has also served to strengthen her own family bond, as she often collaborates with her 22 year-old daughter Brandi, who is also an artist.
“She has learnt all the arts from me, and she can do it all,” Ms Litster said.
“She can paint Aboriginal art, landscapes, special effects, and now she is beginning tattooing.
“She blows my mind. She’s unreal.”
In addition to the display, Mr Park said Rose had also offered to decorate the windows and hallway at the Josie Black Centre to promote NAIDOC Week in the community.
NAIDOC Week is the annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and accomplishments.
The theme for 2022 NAIDOC Week celebrations encourages Australians to “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!” in support of institutional, structural, collaborative and cooperative reforms.
“Not only is Rose an artist displaying her craft but a cultural guide,” Mr Park said.
“In the future TMHS is also partnering with Rose in the development of her art therapy initiative for mental health and rehabilitation purposes.
“TMHS believes collaborating with Rose in this endeavour is of benefit to the wider community, and a valuable learning experience for TMHS to understand the Indigenous perspective and values.
“We are thrilled that TMHS and Rose have shared goals and are working together to improve the health of our local community.”
Ms Litster said it was important for NAIDOC Week celebrations to return after restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I feel now it is about truth-telling, healing and giving back,” she said.
Mr Park also encouraged Indigenous locals to reach out if they have any questions or needed support.
“As well as the Hospital in Terang, there is allied health, such as dietetics, physiotherapy and podiatry at both the Terang and Mortlake Community Health Centres,” he said.
“We would be eager to hear from any indigenous people living in the area, and surrounding area who may need healthcare and medical advice.”
