Lines on Country
Jacob Nash
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Burbangana
Zakpage
Healing Through Art and Country
Public Art
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Project details
LIVERPOOL, NSW | DHARUG
2024Artist: Zakpage (Alison Page, Nik Lachajczak)
Client: South Western Sydney Local Health District
Project Team: Fitzpatrick + Partners, City People, Lendlease, Jamie Eastwood
Photography: Tom RoeAt the heart of Liverpool Hospital’s main entry is 'Burbangana', a culturally significant artwork by Zakpage that helps create a sense of calm and welcome from the moment visitors arrive. Inspired by the Dharug phrase meaning “take hold of my hand and help me up”, the work embodies a powerful message of support, connection and healing for patients, visitors and staff.
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VIDEO: Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct – Art Collaboration 2024. Video credit: CuriousWorks -
Background
Burbangana, by Zakpage, is part of Liverpool Hospital’s ‘Arts in Health Program’, developed to foster a culturally safe environment for First Nations and migrant communities accessing care. Working alongside Aboriginal Elders, clinical staff and local community groups, the program addressed the impacts of trauma, language barriers and cultural disconnection through a series of community-led artworks that promote healing, belonging and inclusion.
The artwork brings together interconnected sculptural and photographic elements: a series of carved timber forms suspended within the hospital foyer, alongside a large digital screen featuring immersive imagery of Country. Together, these elements create a sense of refuge and calm, offering a welcoming presence from the moment visitors enter the space.
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Design Approach
Developed through a co-design process, Burbangana honours the healing power of Country and the enduring presence of First Nations culture. Drawing inspiration from the flow and confluence of rivers, air currents and reeds along the Georges River, the sculpture comprises a series of individually crafted timber elements hand-carved by Dharug artist Jamie Eastwood. The carved forms embody culturally significant patterns and narratives that reference traditional medicinal plants, healing practices and enduring connections to Country.
The visual imagery was captured by Zakpage through a meaningful engagement on Country with local artists and Dharug community members, deepening the artwork’s connection to place and reinforcing its cultural significance. Through this co-design process, Burbangana creates an inclusive and welcoming experience that reflects the hospital’s commitment to healing, connection and community
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Tilt Services
Tilt was engaged to realise the suspended sculptural component of Burbangana, overseeing detailed design, procurement, production management and delivery. Behind the artwork’s seemingly weightless presence was a process of technical design and coordination. Tilt collaborated across the structural, fabrication and installation solutions needed to bring the artistic vision to life.
- Project Consultation
- Detailed Design inc. CAD, structural engineering review and certification, construction documentation
- Coordination of artists
- Procurement
- Installation, site documentation and handover
- Project Management
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- Grounded in Country
Drawing on the rivers, reeds and landscapes of Dharug Country, Burbangana brings the restorative qualities of the natural environment into the hospital, creating a calming presence that supports healing and wellbeing.
- Creating Belonging and Safety
For many patients, Burbangana forms their first experience of the hospital. Through its flowing forms and connection to Country, the artwork provides a welcoming and reassuring presence that fosters comfort and wellbeing from the moment of arrival.
- Embedded with Identity
- Co-created through community consultation and hand-carved from salvaged timber by Dharug artist Jamie Eastwood, the sculptural forms carry cultural knowledge, stories of Country and symbols of healing into the heart of the hospital.
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Outcome
Burbangana transforms the hospital foyer into a place of comfort, connection and cultural recognition. Created through deep collaboration with community, the artwork brings a sense of safety and the presence of Country into the heart of Liverpool Hospital. More than a public artwork, it is a lasting expression of the stories, identities and cultural knowledge of the communities it serves, fostering healing, belonging and care for all who pass through the space.
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“These are images that will be of Country, so we want these images to permeate people’s consciousness and give them a sense of calm.”
Alison Page, Zakpage
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