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Wulli Wulli artist Arabella Walker has been chosen to create the landmark facade artwork for the new Toowoomba Hospital, marking one of the region’s most prominent and culturally significant public art commissions.
Darling Downs Health, in partnership with Health Infrastructure Queensland, Arts in Health and Arts Queensland, made the announcement following a competitive selection process this year.
As an emerging contemporary Aboriginal artist, her proposed concept, ‘Healing with Country’, draws on the landscapes, plant knowledge and cultural stories of the Darling Downs.
These include the gum tree, emu bush and sandalwood - each symbolising cleansing, strength, resilience and spiritual connection to Country.
The artwork will be integrated into the hospital’s external façade, creating a welcoming and meaningful entry experience for patients, families, staff and visitors.
Arts in Health Lead Lynne Seear said incorporating art into healthcare spaces is essential to creating environments where people feel safe, supported and connected.
Artwork plays a vital role in making healthcare settings more welcoming and inclusive - when the art reflects the cultural diversity of our community, people feel represented and at ease
Arts in Health Lead Lynne Seear
"We also know that art reduces stress, improves mood and supports healing for patients, while lifting morale for staff working in high-pressure environments every day.”
Darling Downs Health Chief Executive Annette Scott PSM said the commission marks a major milestone for the new Toowoomba Hospital.
“Arabella’s work beautifully honours First Nations knowledge and the deep connection between healing, place and community," Ms Scott said.
"This artwork will help transform the new hospital into a space that feels culturally grounded, calming and connected to Country from the moment people arrive.”
In addition to the main facade artwork, Arabella will also create a companion piece for the hospital’s main entrance featuring the soft movement of Bunya leaves, continuing the healing narrative into the interior arrival space.
The artist will now commence detailed design development in collaboration with project architects, clinicians, community representatives and First Nations Elders.
Fabrication and installation will align with the hospital’s construction milestones.
The new Toowoomba Hospital is the largest health infrastructure investment in the Darling Downs region’s history.
Integrating public art into the project forms part of a broader commitment to creating welcoming, culturally informed, community-centred healthcare environments.
Once complete, the new hospital will deliver more overnight beds, expanded emergency and maternity services, and the region’s only public cardiac catheter laboratory, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for care.