When Ripley Ambulance Station staff were asked to help create an indigenous mural for the station’s opening, some were a bit anxious about “ruining” the stunning piece.
But once paramedics and office staff got involved, providing their finger and palm prints to the artwork, it turned out better than anyone anticipated.
“It was really good to listen and hear about the legacy of the Aboriginal people of the area,” Ripley Station Advance Care Paramedic Garth Ridley said.
“It was nice to contribute to that legacy in a small way by leaving my handprint on the mural, and it’s nice to know that it’ll be there long after I’m gone.
“I felt empowered contributing to the artwork. Not coming from an indigenous background myself, I felt privileged and empowered being part of it,” Garth said.
"It creates a sense of connection with the area, the station, its country and our people.
"By incorporating art and connecting our staff to it, we're strengthening the relationships and building a new shared history together," Trent said.