Next week it will hung in a place where visitors, patients and staff will be able to see it when they arrive.

Aboriginal health worker Len Connolly and members of the Aunty Jean’s Group created the painting.

Mr Connolly said the goanna on the brown land was the Wiradjuri totem, while the four black circles represented the Aunty Jeans Groups in Cootamundra, Tumut and Young – the largest circle is the hospital.

“It’s about breaking down the barriers and building bridges between the indigenous and non-indigenous communities,” he said.

“It helps indigenous people feel more welcome in the hospital.”

Hospital manager Belinda Downey said the artwork would pride of place and staff had been excited about the prospect of it hanging in the facility.

“I’ve been very excited since I learned it was in progress,” Mrs Downey said.

“It will be hanging it in a prominent position and people will see it whether they’re using the lift or the stairs.

“I would like to see more art like it around the hospital, we’re very grateful that we’ve been given this.”