Painted cockatoos flock to children’s ward

A BRIGHT piece of artwork will soon light up the children’s ward at Bendigo Hospital.

Titled Birds of a Feather, the work was created by Wadi Wadi artist Robyn Davis to decorate the new space, and promote inclusivity.

“It’s about journeying through life,” Davis said. “Are you one of the flock or do you stand on your own and have your own thoughts and actions and stand against the crowd?”

The painting features two cockatoos painted the same and one different, which Davis said represents “being true to yourself”.

“I think it’s a good message for the children’s ward,” she said.

The painting took a week to put together and was done using a variety of ink sprays, water and paints.

Paediatric nurse unit manager Deb Forbes said it’s “imperative” to make the ward as friendly and engaging for adolescent patients as possible, and Davis’ artwork was the perfect choice to decorate the area.

“You’re trying to make a space that’s safe for children, so they don’t feel vulnerable so we’re trying to create that environment of friendliness, safety and inclusiveness,” she said. “It does the job.”

Bendigo Health’s manager of Aboriginal services Dave Kerr said the piece will help First Nations children feel connected and safe when at the hospital.

“It’s such a beautiful piece that all kids will be able to take something from it, it’s fun, it’s really engaging, it catches your eye,” he said.

“It’s important from my perspective, for Aboriginal kids to feel that connection when they come in and this is one way of doing that.”