Patient connections and culture on proud display in Midwest  

Artwork symbolising the deep connections made with patients on their pre-hospital care journey is on proud display on the sleeves of the St John WA Geraldton team.  

Former SJWA volunteer and local artist Mark Smith, a Yamaji and Māori man, created the design featured on the depot’s new training shirts which captures the essence of Jambinu (Geraldton). 

The stunning artwork will also take pride of place on the outer walls of Geraldton’s future depot, as a symbol of the team’s commitment to cultural inclusion and community engagement.   

Mark said the design was inspired by his “awesome” years as a volunteer and the connections the team made every day with the people in their care.  

“In the middle, you can see four places linked together which represent the depot, the patient’s location, the hospital and the Royal Flying Doctor Service transfer,” he said. 

“Whilst we don’t always travel to all these places with our patients, we do build relationships with them on the journey in the ambulance.” 

Mark said a bloodstream is also featured in the background of the painting to show the team’s deep trust and connection with patients. 

As a proud Wajarri and Badimaya man, with family connections to Wilunyu country on his mother’s side, Mark said he hoped the representation of the region from ocean to bush offered a sense of comfort to Aboriginal patients. 

“I found most Aboriginal patients in our care were at ease and more comfortable when they found out who I am,” he said.  

“I hope that my being a part of the Geraldton depot will make more of the Aboriginal community feel comfortable volunteering or be more positively engaged with the volunteers, paramedics and SJWA staff.” 

SJWA Geraldton volunteer Amy Herring said it was an honour to wear a shirt designed by one of their own.  

“And for its story to represent the land that we live, work and volunteer on is so very meaningful,” she said.  

SJWA Geraldton volunteer Corrina Cassin said having known Mark and his family for most of her life she had long admired their connection to the local community. 

“Mark’s mum Charmaine is an icon of Jambinu (Geraldton) having herself designed sporting guernseys and shirts,” she said.  

“I was thrilled when Mark joined SJWA as a volunteer as he is also a well-respected member of our community. 

“Knowing his artistic talent, he was the ideal designer for our shirts, and I am grateful he agreed to design them and am honoured and extremely proud to wear it.” 

For more information on volunteering visit St John Change Lives.