Indigenous-designed scrubs added to Tasmanian health department’s uniform range

Phoebe Blogg – September 17, 2024

Tasmania’s Department of Health has unveiled a range of new nursing and hospital uniforms designed by Tasmanian Aboriginal artist and proud Palawa woman, Takira Simon-Brown.

Featuring a culturally unique design reflective of deep meaning and messaging, Simon-Brown said the new uniform design is symbolic to not only her, but the broader First Nations community.

“The new scrub tops depict the Nipaluna Octopus, the octopus is the pattern in the seaweed over the top of Nipaluna. The artist used the octopus’ pattern because octopus can regrow their limbs continuously,” Simon-Brown said.

“We (First Nations People) are going through a stage of continuous regrowth mentally and physically as we attempt to re-sustain country and culture; we are as resistant as an octopus.”

Tasmania’s Department of Health has unveiled a range of new nursing and hospital uniforms designed by Tasmanian Aboriginal artist and proud Palawa woman, Takira Simon-Brown.

Featuring a culturally unique design reflective of deep meaning and messaging, Simon-Brown said the new uniform design is symbolic to not only her, but the broader First Nations community.

“The new scrub tops depict the Nipaluna Octopus, the octopus is the pattern in the seaweed over the top of Nipaluna. The artist used the octopus’ pattern because octopus can regrow their limbs continuously,” Simon-Brown said.

“We (First Nations People) are going through a stage of continuous regrowth mentally and physically as we attempt to re-sustain country and culture; we are as resistant as an octopus.”

Deputy Secretary, of Hospitals and Primary Care, Brendan Docherty, said the new uniform was part of a suite of measures to recognise the significant contribution of Tasmanian Indigenous community to the state’s health service and drive a more culturally respectful place for staff, patients and visitors.

“Culturally respectful communication and environments are the foundation for the delivery of accessible, culturally responsive, and safe health care,” he said.

“The Department of Health is committed to providing visible representation of Aboriginal culture in our services, environment and communications which are key focus areas in our Improving Aboriginal Cultural Respect Across Tasmania’s Health System Action Plan 2020-2026.

“Takira Simon-Brown’s artwork has also been incorporated in other communications, documents and templates in the Department of Health as part of the Health nayri project which is assisting us in recognising and honouring the traditional custodians of the land. I thank the Palawa artist for her beautiful designs and her contribution to Tasmania and the Department of Health.”

Celebrating the contributions of Tasmania’s Indigenous community through culturally visible nursing scrubs is just one of on the many ways the state’s Department of Health has, and continues to advocate for Australia’s First Nations peoples.

The new scrubs will be part of the standard uniform and will be available for staff to wear from January 2025.