Eight local photographers have been announced the winners of the Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment photographic competition, with their entries to be featured within the new Clinical Services Building. Griffith Base Hospital General Manager Joanne Garlick said the Arts Working Group were thrilled with the quality of the 51 entries received which showcased the talents of Western Riverina photographers, both professional and amateur. “We were delighted with the response by artists who entered a wide range of high-quality images capturing the landscape and natural environment in all its glory,” Ms Garlick said. The winners are local photographers Nava Navaneethan, Timothy Laidler, Rafel Franco, Brett Naseby, Neil McAliece, Lasitha Liyana Patabendi, Peter Reynolds and Ginette DeMarco. “The winning photography will be featured in the hospital’s Rehabilitation and Aged Care Inpatient Unit,” Ms Garlick said. “We are excited to be able to include the community as part of the redevelopment and create a therapeutic environment within our region’s new health facility for patients, visitors and staff.” The artworks were selected by the Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment Arts Working Group which includes representatives from the local community, Griffith Regional Gallery, Pioneer Park Museum and Griffith Base Hospital. Griffith Regional Gallery Coordinator Ray Wholohan said the Western Riverina is home to many talented artists who are connected to their community. “I was encouraged by the quality of the photographs submitted to the competition and how the entries convey the quintessential qualities of living, working and growing as individuals, and a community, in this special part of the world,” Mr Wholohan said. The photography competition was open to people working and living in the Western Riverina from LGAs in the catchment of Griffith Base Hospital – Griffith, Lachlan, Bland, Hay, Leeton, Carrathool, Murrumbidgee and Narrandera. Health Infrastructure Arts Lead on the project, Kattie Bugeja, said the photography competition forms part of the redevelopment’s Arts in Health program, which will enliven the new health facility with a range of artistic mediums and local artists, including a heritage display. “It’s so important to create a welcoming hospital and engaging public spaces with a strong local identity, so we can improve clinical health and wellbeing outcomes for patients, staff and visitors,” Ms Bugeja said. Construction is continuing for the Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment which is scheduled for completion in 2025. 14 September 2023