Improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is one of the Department of Health's 7 strategic priorities under our Strategic Plan 2023–27.
At the heart of this commitment is culture.
To embed cultural safety and honour the deep connections between people, Country and healing, the department has commissioned an artwork that tells the story of our shared journey - our people, our work, and the communities we serve.
About the artwork
The artwork is called Bayi Dha-ang: Walk Strong (Dhudhuroa language).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People have an abundance of knowledge inherited from Country that shaped their language, lore, customs and culture.
The artwork acknowledges the diversity in our collective experiences, histories and ways of being.
It represents the Department of Health's commitment to cultural safety, knowledge, accessibility and self-determination.
This commitment allows community to Bayi Dha-ang: Walk Strong.
As individuals we can create ripples, when we work as a collective; we create waves. Those waves shape the currents, the currents create flow and flow creates momentum.
Our physical, mental, and emotional and spiritual health is deeply tied to Country, community and history. The inheritance of previous ripples have shaped this time and place, here and now. The challenges we face as mob and walking in ‘two worlds’ adds layers of complexity that we have to Bayi Dha-ang: Walk Strong to survive.
Through engagement, yarns, connection, deep listening, learning, advocacy, amplifying voices, reciprocity, remembering, honouring and respecting; the Department of Health aims to create waves that shape a health present and a healthier future.
Meet the artist
The artwork has been carefully developed by artist, Bitja (Dixon Patten Jnr) of Baylia Creative, an Aboriginal owned and run design agency, in close consultation with staff across the department including members of the Aboriginal Staff Network.
Listen to the artist, Bitja (Dixon Patten Jnr), describe what influenced the artwork and how he hopes we all can see ourselves reflected in it.
Why cultural safety is everyone's business
Cultural safety is everyone's responsibility.
The Department of Health works to ensure that our health, social and emotional wellbeing services are culturally safe, inclusive and accessible for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
We strive to achieve more equitable outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by embedding and driving self-determination across the health and wellbeing sectors through legislative reform, governance structures and Treaty.
Listen to Deputy Chief Aboriginal Health Adviser, Craig Taylor yarn with artist, Bitja (Dixon Patten Jnr) about the importance of continuing culture and how we all benefit from learning from one another.
Reviewed 25 June 2025