You are seen, you are respected, you belong here.
Through artwork that honours culture, community, and connection, we’re creating spaces where Aboriginal mothers, babies, and families feel welcomed, respected, and safe.
Monash Health’s Culturally Safe Maternity Spaces project sets out to enhance some of our maternity care areas – such as clinics, birthing suites and waiting spaces – into environments that reflect and celebrate Aboriginal culture. Recently installed in several key areas at Casey Hospital, the artwork creates a sense of cultural connection and belonging for Aboriginal families entering our care. Over the coming months, elements of Bubup Dreaming will feature in other maternity spaces across Monash Health.
Creating spaces that heal
We know that coming into hospital can feel overwhelming, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may carry experiences of historical prejudice and cultural disconnection. Culturally welcoming environments – including artwork that reflects identity and culture – play a vital role in creating safety, comfort, and trust.
This work is part of a larger initiative to improve outcomes for Aboriginal mothers and babies by embedding cultural safety into every step of their maternity journey. Evidence shows that when Aboriginal families feel culturally supported, care is more accessible, engagement increases, and health outcomes improve.
By embedding Aboriginal artwork into maternity care areas, we’re acknowledging culture and actively working to improve access and health outcomes. This aligns with our Reconciliation Action Plan, Aboriginal Cultural Safety Plan, and the Closing the Gap priorities to ensure more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies are born healthy and families feel supported.
The developments of the revamped spaces link with the work our Bubup Clinic and Aboriginal Midwives team lead, providing culturally safe, continuous care and support for Aboriginal mothers and families.
‘When Aboriginal families walk into a space and see their culture reflected, it goes a long way to building trust and creating a sense of safety,’ says Tamara Porter, Aboriginal Midwife Coordinator, Women’s and Newborns, whose involvement was key to the success of the initiative.
The Bubup Dreaming project has been funded through Monash Health’s Aboriginal Cultural Safety Fixed Grant from the Victorian Department of Health to help create safe and welcoming environments. This project is a culturally rich example of how Monash Health continues to prioritise this.
The artwork: Bubup Dreaming
Created by Aboriginal artists Emma Bamblett (Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara, Ngadjonji and Taungurung) and Megan Van Den Berg (Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta and Boon Wurrung) from Kinya Lerrk, Bubup Dreaming represents Monash Health’s journey in caring for communities through maternity healing spaces.
It tells a story of guidance, connection, and family. The creator spirits Bunjil (eagle) and Waa (crow) soar and guide throughout the skies, representing the creator spirits of the lands our health service operates on, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong/Boonwurrung Lands. A strong birthing tree represents traditional sacred birthing practices, while mum-to-be is guided by her ancestors for the safe delivery of her bubup. Symbols of family, support, and spirituality surround the mother and baby, while pathways and footprints honour ancestors and the knowledge they’ve passed down.
Through the Bubup Dreaming artwork, our spaces now tell a story that matters deeply: a story of belonging, healing, and hope for future generations.
Learn more about our Aboriginal Midwives, the Bubup Clinic and Aboriginal Health and Engagement services today.