For Vernon Armstrong, art is more than paint on a canvas ¨C it¡¯s a form of therapy, storytelling and cultural preservation.
As both a registered nurse and an artist, Vernon is making a profound impact at the Gold Coast¡¯s new Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU), where his artwork will serve as both a visual and emotional anchor for patients in recovery.
Vernon won the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ staff art competition to have his piece, Wuuthunthutha Wangarra ¨C meaning ¡°to share a song¡± in Gangalida, Vernon¡¯s ancestral language ¨C displayed in the SMHRU.
His work draws on traditional songlines, depicting the deep interconnection between land, people and healing.
¡°Songlines are more than just songs,¡± Vernon explains.
¡°They¡¯re creation stories, knowledge and a way of teaching and healing.
¡°Every rock, river, and animal has a song, and these songs help us stay connected to our ancestors.¡±
In addition to seeing his artwork showcased, Vernon will soon begin working at the SMHRU as a mental health nurse when the facility begins to welcome patients from mid-March.
¡°Art and mental health go hand in hand,¡± he said.
¡°Art is a way to express emotions that I can¡¯t always put into words. It¡¯s about being present and intentional and that can be powerful for healing.¡±
Vernon recently toured the newly completed SMHRU alongside other artists whose works have been incorporated into the facility¡¯s design.
This tour provided a first look at how the art has been woven into the therapeutic environment, reinforcing the importance of cultural representation and creative expression in mental health recovery.
As a mental health nurse, Vernon hopes to integrate culture into mental health care, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
¡°Sometimes people feel hesitant to engage with services, but when they see our culture reflected in the space, it creates a sense of safety,¡± he said.
¡°My goal is to help patients build resilience ¨C whether through therapy, art, or reconnecting with their identity.¡±
Through his art and his work, Vernon is not only supporting recovery but also ensuring that culture remains a guiding force in healing.
¡°I want people to feel calm, connected, and hopeful,¡± he says.
¡°To know that no matter where they are, they¡¯re part of something bigger.¡±