NADA and First Nations Artist Jodie Reynolds Spotlight Cultural Design in Major NSW Health Project

Join Kamilaroi artist Jodie Reynolds and National Aboriginal Design Agency (NADA) manager, Ebony James Chow in conversation at The Gallery.

Positive Healing, Jodie Reynolds' Original Artwork Integrated into John Hunter Hospital Redevelopment

 

The National Aboriginal Design Agency (NADA) invites First Nations industry professionals to a special presentation showcasing their recent work delivering Cultural Design Services for the landmark John Hunter Health & Innovation Precinct (JHHIP) redevelopment on Awabakal Country in Newcastle, New South Wales.

This event will spotlight the successful integration of five major artworks and wayfinding elements into key hospital entry points, developed in partnership with lead artist Jodie Reynolds and in consultation with Elders and Traditional Knowledge Holders from the Awabakal, Worimi and Bahtabah Local Aboriginal Land Councils and their communities.

The presentation will explore the full creative journey—from sourcing the artist via an Expression of Interest, to concept development, client engagement and translating deep cultural knowledge into built form. Attendees will gain insights into NADA’s approach, which places Country, community and family at the centre of healing spaces in public infrastructure.

NADA, a social enterprise owned and run by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists nationally, empowering their participation in small and large-scale design and infrastructure projects that celebrate culture, Country and identity within the built environment. This presentation will highlight how NADA connects First Nations artists with government and corporate clients and how cultural design can transform public spaces into inclusive, culturally rich environments.

Following the conversation attendees are invited to stay on for an interactive workshop to inspire your next cultural design project where you will be guided by Jodie in The Gallery amongst her vibrant solo exhibition.

Living Culture On Country, a solo exhibition by Kamilaroi artist Jodie Reynolds brings stories of Country, community and colour to The Gallery. Showing from 11 October to 6 December 2025 at The Gallery, 6 Park Avenue Coffs Harbour

Event Details

In conversation with Artist Jodie Reynolds and NADA Manager Ebony James Chow
Date: Tuesday 18th November 2025
Location: The Gallery, 6 Park Avenue Coffs Harbour
Time: 10am – 11am

Workshop with Jodie Reynolds
Date: Tuesday 18th November 2025
Location: The Gallery, 6 Park Avenue Coffs Harbour
Time: 12pm – 1pm

Don’t miss this chance to learn how cultural storytelling, community engagement and design integration are transforming public infrastructure—and how you can be part of it.

REGISTER

For more information contact:
email: sommer@aboriginaldesign.com.au or natalie@saltwaterfreshwater.com.au
phone: 02 6658 1315