Garrawarra Yarning Circle - fostering connection between residents and staff

The Garrawarra Yarning Circle was officially opened on March 18th, marked by a delightful afternoon tea in the sun. Attendees included residents, staff, families, as well as SESLHD Chief Executive, Tobi Wilson, The Sutherland Hospital and Garrawarra Centre General Manager, Vicki Weeden and Lauren Phillips from the SESLHD Aboriginal Health Unit. 

The Yarning Circle was made possible via a funding grant application dating back to 2021 which was developed and submitted by Margaret Broadbent – Deputy Manager, SESLHD Aboriginal Health Unit. This initiative recognised the profound cultural significance of Garrawarra and the imperative need to cultivate a space fostering connection among residents and staff. 

The realisation of this vision culminated with the collaboration with Dalmarri Art in late 2023, whose talented artists presented a number of rich and diverse options. The final artwork, carefully selected in consultation with aboriginal staff, residents, and their families, comprises three metal garden pieces: green symbolising land, blue representing the sea, and brown signifying the desert. Together, these elements pay homage to the diverse backgrounds of Garrawarra's residents hailing from communities across the state. 

Nicole Ledger, DON/Facility Manager, Garrawarra Centre said, “Central to the Yarning Circle stands a monumental spotted gum boomerang seat, epitomising the essence of connection. This seat serves as the focal point, embodying Garrawarra's ethos of providing person-centered care to its vulnerable and complex residents”.