News & Events: Media Releases

The “Rainbow Serpent Mural” at Noosa Hospital

The Noosa Hospital campus (part of the Ramsay Health Care hospital network) is home to a sacred Aboriginal site which has existed for many years prior to the construction of the hospital. The Aboriginal "Serpent Stones" can be found to the left of the hospital's main traffic entrance (as you approach from Goodchap Street) in the bushland that skirts around the hospital building. The twenty or so rocks are shaped in a wave like serpentine pattern and are believed to represent the rainbow serpent. In Aboriginal lore, the serpent represents the "creation spirit", good for those in need of help - a very fitting spirit that assists us in helping care for our patients here at Noosa Hospital. Coincidentally, in orthodox medicine the serpent also forms part of the "Serpens" and "Ophiuchus" symbol - the symbol of medicine globally.

Consistent with this theme, on Thursday 23 June 2005 the hospital unveiled the first part of an exciting art installation at the hospital. In collaboration with the Aboriginal University of Australia and the Australian Dalungdalee Trust we have been entrusted with this wonderful cultural creation - the "Rainbow Serpent Mural". The Mural is an artistic work that was painted in cooperation by over one hundred artists. The full length of the complete Mural is over ninety metres! The long galleria that runs down the centre of the hospital is the perfect space to display this wonderful piece.

Initially we have unveiled the head of the Rainbow Serpent which represents the first section of the Mural. The remaining sections of the Rainbow Serpent will be installed over the coming months - once complete it will be the first time the Mural has been back together in its entirety since it was exhibited in the Queensland Museum over ten years ago.

On Friday, 22 July 2005 we have arranged for the remaining 40 panels of the Mural to be taken out of storage where they have been kept under lock and key at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex for the past decade. A number of the original artists involved in painting the Mural will be present to participate in this auspicious event.

For further enquires, please do not hesitate to contact:

James Thiedeman
Deputy Director
Noosa Hospital

Phone: 07 5455 9203