COMMUNITY STORIES SHAPE NEW ARTWORKS INSTALLED AT Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre

Stories of the families, health workers and community leaders behind the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre have been brought to life by new artworks unveiled at the Centre ahead of opening.

Australia commissioned the Solomon Islands Artists Association to complete four wooden totems, two large paintings and an 11-metre mural – each inspired by conversations with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honiara City Council, health workers and the Naha community.

Lead artist, Jackson Diosi, said their work began with talking to those involved in the ground-breaking health centre, recently handed over by the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

“Before picking up a paintbrush or carving knife, we listened,” Mr Diosi said.

“Nurses shared stories of caring for mothers and babies, community leaders spoke about culture, and families shared their hopes for the new Centre.”

“It was then our job to carve and paint their stories into art.”

Australian Acting High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel said the artworks were a beautiful reflection of the people at the heart of the Naha project.

“Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre was built for the people of Solomon Islands, so it is fitting that these beautiful artworks reflect their stories and their dreams,”, the Acting High Commissioner said.

“So many people have contributed to the design, construction and operationalisation of Naha – together, we have helped create a unique space that will care for community at some of their most precious and important times.”

The large two metre totems reference all nine provinces of Solomon Islands, together with kastom stories, while the mural and paintings carry stories of mothers and babies, families caring for one another, local culture and hopes for healthier communities.

“So much of this project, and Australia’s approach to infrastructure development, has been about listening to health workers, community leaders and families to deliver a new level of quality health care,” the Acting High Commissioner added.

“The artists have done an incredible job to add to a space that feels welcoming, familiar and uniquely Solomon Islands.”

Naha Head Nurse Ellen Jilini said local stories and representation will help make the Centre a place that reflects the community it serves.

Naha resident, Debbie Ruriti, said the artworks carried their stories and reflected what the Centre meant to local families.

“Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre provide us with a safe, welcoming place where our mothers can give birth close to home and receive quality care,” Ms Ruriti said.

“The Centre gives newborns the best possible start in life, and we’re grateful for a facility built to serve our community for generations to come.”

Patients and community visiting the Centre will be welcomed by the totems framing the lower and upper-level entrances, while the large mural decorates the downstairs waiting area, celebrating care, strength and healthy communities.

At the official Urban Health Centre opening planned for next month, community members will also be given a chance to add their handprint to a community artwork, giving them the chance to leave their mark on an historic project, and a lasting symbol that the Centre belongs to them.

The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre was officially handed over by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on 7 July.

With a focus on community care, the Centre offers pathology, dental, pharmacy and diagnostic imaging services, and will more than double Honiara’s birthing capacity.

The Centre will be opened in stages, commencing with the Urban Health Centre in August, followed by the Birthing Centre.

The 11-metre-long mural brings stories of family, care, culture and hope into the new facility.

Local carver Riaz Haiku has shaped community stories and identity into four welcome totems for the Centre.

Head Nurse Ellen Jilini and artist Jackson Diosi discuss artwork shaped through collaboration with nurses, families and the Naha community.

Hand-carved welcome totems at the Centre’s entrances greet patients and families with stories of motherhood and Solomon Islands culture.