St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Western Australia to launch artwork-wrapped catering trolleys

11 Jul 2023

Image: St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital Chef, Veronica Oo with Room Service trolley

Launched on NAIDOC Week, the artwork wrapping the trolleys is a collaboration between the hospital’s catering team and talented Noongar Elder and local artist, Juanetia ‘Neta’ Knapp.
St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital Catering Manager Scott Sherratt said the inclusive artwork, titled ‘bushtucker’, depicted in vibrant colours tells the story of the catering team and the hospital’s location on Aboriginal land.

“The artwork signifies the connection of our catering team to the food of the land – under the guidance of our Aboriginal Elder Aunty Neta, each member of the team painted themselves on the artwork, represented by the ‘U’ shapes sitting around, yarning and sharing stories,” Scott said.

“The painting also recognises the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage of our hospital’s location on the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River), where Aboriginal people thrived for thousands of years, long before our hospital was ever here.”

“To have an artwork of such significance to the hospital and catering team wrapped around the trolleys we use to serve our patients food is very meaningful.”

Aunty Neta has a long-standing relationship with the hospital and works on the Aboriginal Advisory Committee alongside her colleagues National Director of Aboriginal Health and Education Clive Walley, and Lecturer and Student Support Curtin University Louise Austen. 

Aunty Neta shared, “I am supported and walk a shared path at St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital on their mission of healing and care.”

Scott added, “Aunty Neta is a valued member of our community and someone who has educated us about our shared histories and cultures, so we can better understand how we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.”

The artwork was created over four sessions with Neta.

“It brought our team together through an enriching shared experience that we will never forget,” Scott said.

“We are so pleased to have it rolled out across our trolleys in a WA-first as a way to bring life to our corridors and tell a story.”

Image: Neta Knapp (centre) with the St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital Catering Team creating the Bushtucker artwork