An engaging new mural highlighting Indigenous culture, community connection, and heart health was unveiled at the Heart Research Institute (HRI) in Newtown, Sydney this week.

Officially unveiled on Wednesday, the new mural showcases the work of several talented First Nations creatives.

Nyumbar Education founder and Bundjalung artist Deslyn (Dez) Marsh led a team of three full-time and two part-time artists to complete the large-scale piece in just six days as part of Inner West Council's 'Perfect Match' program.

The new mural is not only a celebration of Aboriginal storytelling and connection to Country, but also carries a powerful health message — promoting awareness of heart health in Indigenous communities.

Working alongside Elders from the Djurali Centre and HRI, Marsh crafted the mural using ideas drawn from conversations with local figures such as Uncle Bo.

The piece also features vibrant handprints, representing the ancestors of the land and the unity between HRI and the communities they serve.

Marsh said she hopes the mural will bring a sense of happiness, pride, and greater awareness of Indigenous heart health to everyone who sees it.

"Through this painting, I aim to celebrate the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, honour the rich cultural heritage that informs their healing practices, and contribute to the ongoing journey toward improved health outcomes for all," she said.

"The setting of the painting is based on Gadigal Country, a place that holds deep cultural and historical significance. The building depicted in the artwork symbolises a space for care, healing, and the gathering of knowledge.

"It reflects a fusion of modern medical advancements with traditional Indigenous wisdom, highlighting the importance of integrating both worlds in the pursuit of health and wellness.

"Throughout the painting are various bush tucker plants, which have long been used by Aboriginal communities for healing.

"These plants symbolise the bush medicines that continue to play a vital role in the health and well-being of Aboriginal people, underscoring the importance of reconnecting with and revitalising these traditional practices."

Heart Research Institute's Djurali Group acting head, Uncle Boe Rambaldini, said the new mural symbolises the strength of collaboration.

"This mural is very important to all of us at HRI symbolises the strength of collaboration. We are passionate about addressing the wounds in our nation by challenging the way we understand one another," he said.

"We know that coming together respectfully has the power to change and heal, to address the wounds in our nation and to create a better shared future for all people who call Australia home.

"Thank you so much to our artist Dez and her family for this magnificent piece of work. It certainly brightens up our building, this street and Newtown – and not only highlights the talent of Aboriginal people but also highlights HRI's commitment to Aboriginal health and closing the gap."

Heart Research Institute chief executive officer and scientific director, Andrew Coats, said the new mural highlights the institute's ongoing commitment to Aboriginal health.

"HRI is world-class medical research institute dedicated to the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease for all Australian," Mr Coats said.

"And we know that a particular group of Australians, our Aboriginal friends, brothers, and sisters are at heightened risk of being impacted by heart disease – and we are committed to closing that health gap. It drives us every day.

"And in recognising that, it is wonderful to reach out to the communities we serve, that we take inspiration and support from, and to have this magnificent artwork on our building here in Eliza St in the heart of Newtown.

Mr Coats said the mural lifts the entire neighbourhood and highlights HRI's commitment to Aboriginal health.

"This wonderful mural was painted over six days in March, stretches over 24 metres long and features many staff handprints – including mine," he said.

"Thank you so much to Dez and her team - and thank you to the Inner West Council for helping to make it happen."

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