New yarning artwork is a visual story of the diabetes journey
A new artwork at Sunshine Hospital illustrates the journey of Aboriginal people living with type 2 diabetes.
Created by Barkandji Elder Auntie Jean Mason, Yarning is the official commissioned artwork of a research project empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to manage diabetes.
The piece was unveiled at an event attended by Auntie Jean, community members, Western Health staff, and project stakeholders.
Artwork reflects shared experiences
Auntie Jean explains the artwork begins with a single person starting their health journey.
The winding path captures ups and downs in glucose levels.
As the lines progress, a healthcare worker joins, walking alongside and supporting decisions about care.
Four circles represent moments for reflection and collaboration, while green areas symbolise healthy spaces on Country.
‘When you look at the artwork, you can understand our journey, how we move, heal, and support each other,’ Auntie Jean says.
About the PATHways to Diabetes Care Project
The project is a partnership between Western Health, Deakin University, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS), Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and the Aboriginal community.
Co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it uses Guided Self-Determination to encourage shared decision-making and person-centred conversations.
Displaying Yarning in the outpatient area at Sunshine Hospital highlights the project’s commitment to cultural safety and meaningful engagement with our community.
Urgent action needed
Professor Bodil Rasmussen, the research lead from Deakin University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, emphasises the urgent need for culturally safe diabetes programs.
‘Type 2 diabetes is a major contributor to the death and reduced quality of life in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,’ ' Professor Rasmussen says.
'For diabetes programs to be culturally safe and effective, they must be developed with, and ideally led by, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and follow self-determination principles.’
Western Health Integrated Care Hub Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) Susan Cronin says the research changed her approach:
‘It reinforced the value of understanding patients’ perspectives and goals. It was a privilege to hear their stories and work out how to support them.’
The project is supported by the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund.