FEW people would even know it was there, but a gazebo nestled beside Griffith Base Hospital's maternity ward is certain to be used more often after being given a facelift.
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The revamped gazebo and surrounding area hopes to provide a culturally sensitive space for Aboriginal women and their families to get together during labour and birthing.
The project, called Nguurrambang, meaning birthplace/home in Wiradjuri language, has renovated the gazebo with mosaic panels depicting families, culture and birth and totem poles in the surrounding garden area.
Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service (AMIHS) midwife Jill Graham said the dedicated area for Aboriginal women and their families, was a team effort.
"This recognises the woman's individual needs, encompassing the needs of the baby, the woman's family and community, providing holistic care. A lot of different people have had input into this project," she said.
"It has taken about 12 months to complete.
"Kids from the Wiradjuri Preschool, students from Griffith High School, the Griffith Men's Shed, staff from maternity, the Aboriginal health team all played a part.
"A local community member even designed the mosaics."
The meeting place is a project of the Murrumbidgee Local Health District's Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service (AMIHS) supported by the local community and the GBH maternity ward.
At the launch on Tuesday, November 26, local woman Peg Jones said she had fond memories of the gazebo.
"I used this gazebo when I had my first child here in 1952," Mrs Jones said.
"It looks really good now that they have done the work on it. It's good to see it rejuvenated like this for people to use. It's nice inside but you need to be able to get outside for some fresh air sometimes."
