Art Connecting Community and Culture: Prolab’s Work for Saint George Hospital
We proudly present our latest collaboration with Saint George Hospital—a vibrant mural that celebrates local heritage and stories along the Balonne River.
Bringing Local Stories to Life
The “River Life on the Balonne” mural at Saint George Hospital is more than just art; it’s a journey through the natural and cultural history of the area. Prolab worked closely with Service Director Robyn Brumpton to ensure the mural would resonate with the hospital’s community. Designed by Barry ‘Rainman’ Boland, LG Lister, and JL Tattam, the artwork consists of 15 panels, each telling a unique story from the Balonne River region, including Indigenous wildlife, traditions, and landscapes.
A Glimpse Into Each Panel
The mural unfolds as a continuous river, guiding viewers through significant local sites and natural elements. From Bat Island, home to local bats and pythons, to the sacred Emu Dreaming and the historic Meeting Place of the four local tribes, each panel captures a vital part of the region’s cultural and ecological tapestry.
The detailed images illustrate animals like the goanna, catfish, and carpet python, each with symbolic meanings and Indigenous names. The artwork also honours the native flora, like grass trees and willow trees, used in traditional practices. Through this rich tapestry, the mural not only beautifies the hospital space but also offers an educational journey that fosters respect and connection to the land’s history.
Collaborating with Saint George Hospital
This project involved an in-depth consultation process with Robyn Brumpton to ensure the mural aligned with the hospital’s mission of community engagement. Together, we created an additional panel with a written story to enhance the educational aspect of the mural, allowing visitors to connect more deeply with each image’s significance. Our team provided mock-ups and worked through detailed feedback from Robyn and her team to capture the mural’s essence and maintain historical accuracy.
Installation Dimensions and Final Outcome
The mural spans two main walls at the hospital, enhancing the exterior with its vibrant storytelling. The left wall render measures a total length of 2950 mm, comprising two panels, while the right wall render spans 7180 mm across four panels. Installed seamlessly along the hospital’s facade, the mural’s colours and symbols add vibrancy to the landscape while preserving the integrity of local cultural motifs. This installation exemplifies Prolab’s commitment to quality, precision, and cultural sensitivity in our work.
Reflecting on the Project’s Impact
Prolab is honoured to be part of this project, which preserves and celebrates the stories of the Saint George’s community. We hope this mural will inspire, educate, and bring joy to everyone who views it, from hospital staff to visitors and patients. Through projects like this, we continue our mission to create art that connects communities, honours history, and enhances spaces in meaningful ways.
