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WIRF is one of Australia's leading organisations that is dedicated to improving the health of women and infants.

Aboriginal artwork unveiled

Lisa-Morrison-with-artwork_wirf-web-(1).jpgAs part of World Prematurity Day 2019, the Women & Infants Research Foundation have unveiled a major piece of artwork representing the journey of mother and baby from one of the Foundation’s Aboriginal Volunteers.

The painting, 'The journey of women’s and infants’ research', has been created by Noongar Wadjuck Yamatji artist, Lisa Morrison.

Lisa said the artwork depicts the journey of research of women and Infants from land to sea with the strength of women gathering.

“My inspiration comes from the research of the Women & Infants Research Foundation, and the continuous journey and strengths of pregnancy and of the women I meet in my role as an Aboriginal Volunteer,” she said.

“The baby is painted in WIRF colours which represents the progress of this incredible organisation.”

Measuring 1.5m x 1m, the canvass and acrylic artwork took Lisa four weeks to complete.

Lisa, and several other Aboriginal women, work as part of the WIRF Aboriginal Volunteer Program at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) - Australia’s first Aboriginal volunteers hospital-based program - which aims to support Aboriginal mothers in a culturally appropriate way.

In WA alone, nearly 3000 babies are born preterm each year – approximately 1 in 12 pregnancies ends too soon. Rates of preterm birth among Aboriginal Australians and disadvantaged communities are approximately double.

“Being part of this program for the past two years, I see first-hand how daunting and overwhelming it can be for our mums, both young and old, who have to travel away off country and from family support they don't have in Perth,” Lisa said.


“I hope the presence of our volunteers gives a little comfort to those we meet.”

WIRF Chief Operations Director, Deb Portughes said the artwork perfectly depicted the symbiotic relationship between mother and child and the importance of research.

“Our Aboriginal volunteers form such a critical part of what we do and by working together we hope to reduce the rate of preterm birth in Aboriginal communities and improve health outcomes for all Aboriginal mothers and their babies,” she said.

 

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Contact details

Women and Infants Research Foundation
Carson House, King Edward Memorial Hospital
374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA 6008

Telephone: 08 6458 1437
Fax: 08 6458 1642
Email: info@wirf.com.au

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