The Eurobodalla community is invited to take part in a series of free art workshops to contribute and inspire artworks that will feature in the new $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.

Dr Erica Seccombe is the first artist commissioned to create artworks for the new hospital, to help deliver a welcoming, supportive and inclusive space for patients, visitors and staff.

Using local plants and animals as inspiration, community members will be guided by Dr Seccombe during the workshops to create drawings that reflect the unique culture and local environment of the Eurobodalla region.

The drawings will be transformed into graphic artworks and will feature throughout the hospital, to give a distinct identity and create a sense of connection across the various departments and spaces.

The free community workshops will take place between Thursday, 11 September and Saturday, 11 October 2025. All materials will be provided, and community members of all ages are encouraged to take part, with no artistic experience required. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Dr Seccombe is an experienced artist and educator with a strong interest in how connections to the natural environment can support healing and wellbeing in healthcare spaces.

Her work features in the recently completed Campbelltown Hospital Redevelopment, which was awarded the European Healthcare Design Award for Arts and Interior Design.

The Program integrates arts into NSW Health capital works to create engaging public health spaces and improve health outcomes for patients, staff and visitors. Health Infrastructure delivers the program in partnership with Local Health Districts, artists and communities.

Artists are commissioned through a selection process with advice from local stakeholders and guidance from the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital Arts Working Group.

The Health and the Arts Framework 2024-2032 highlights the role of the arts in providing patients, staff and communities with positive experiences within healthcare settings. The arts play a significant role in complementing the experience of care. The Framework recognises this impact across the NSW Health system, integrating the arts to support key health challenges such as workforce strategies, Aboriginal health, aged care and mental health.

The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital is expected to be completed in 2027.

Dr Erica Seccombe said “These workshops are a unique opportunity for community to shape the look of their new hospital and give it a unique and distinctive identity that will leave a positive and lasting legacy.

“We’ll be using local plants as inspiration and inviting staff and community members to reflect on their connection to place through drawing.”

Health Infrastructure Executive Director Amanda Bock said “I am delighted Dr Erica Seccombe has been selected to create artworks that will support the wellbeing and experience of patients receiving treatment in the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.

“I encourage the community to take part in one of the free workshops and contribute to this exciting opportunity, which will become a permanent and meaningful feature of the hospital that celebrates our local region.

“We are so excited for the Eurobodalla community to collaborate with Erica on this once-in-a-generation project, which will help create spaces that are welcoming, healing and inclusive.”

The workshops will be held:

•Thursday 11 and Friday 12 September, 1pm – 4pm, Djinama and Bunjala rooms at the Moruya Library and Arts Centre.

•Saturday 13 September, 12pm – 3.30pm, Djinama and Bunjala rooms at the Moruya Library and Arts Centre.

•Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September, 12pm – 4pm September Bay Pavilion, Batemans Bay

•Thursday 2 and Friday 3 October, 10am – 2pm, Banksia Room, The Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden.

•Saturday 4 October, 11.30am – 3.30pm, Dalmeny Community Hall, Dalmeny

For more details and to register your interest visit: ericaseccombe.com/drawing-workshops#/eurobodalla-regional-hospital/

Several artists will be commissioned for the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, including for the main entry, as part of the Arts in Health Infrastructure Program.