‘Shoalhaven Landscapes’ is a series of artworks commissioned by Grand Pacific Health to bring the surrounds of the local region to life within the centre at Nowra.

The unveiling also coincided with a significant milestone, a year since the doors of GPH Centre – Nowra officially opened to the public.

Grand Pacific Health Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ron de Jongh, said the unveiling was a fitting way to mark an important occasion for the Centre.

“A year ago we were celebrating the work of the architects and builders who brought our vision for this building to life, using inspiration from surrounding landscapes and the works of late artist Arthur Boyd,” Mr de Jongh said.

“Now we are celebrating the rich talent of local art students and their teacher Mr Warwick Keen, who have not only contributed to the physical environment and atmosphere of the clinic, but also to the imaginations of our clients, visitors and other community members who walk through our doors.”

Collaboration between Grand Pacific Health and TAFE Illawarra came about from community consultation with local Aboriginal Elders who suggested incorporating the culture of the region in the Centre through art.

Grand Pacific Health engaged Mr Warwick Keen, Aboriginal Cultural Arts Coordinator and Visual Arts Teacher at TAFE Illawarra Nowra campus, who identified an opportunity to get art students involved.

“Two of my classes met with staff at Grand Pacific Health and visited the centre in Nowra to get a deeper understanding of the building and the services the organisation provides. This gave the students great insight into how to connect their art with the vision of the centre,” Mr Keen said.

“The two artworks created by the classes showcase the skills and talents of local Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists and their representations of landscapes from the Shoalhaven region.”

The ‘Shoalhaven Landscapes’ series includes three separate works, two of which were created by the Diploma of Visual Arts students and Aboriginal Cultural Arts students at TAFE Illawarra Nowra under the guidance and supervision of their teacher Mr Warwick Keen. A third piece was donated by Mr Keen from his “Worrigee” collection.

The official unveiling also included a presentation of a $1000 donation to the TAFE Illawarra Nowra art department from Grand Pacific Health.

“We are incredibly grateful for the involvement of TAFE Illawarra Nowra, Mr Keen and the students, and we hope this donation can go towards supporting up-and-coming artists in the Shoalhaven,” Mr de Jongh said.