THE bus stop outside Rockingham General Hospital boasted a new look on Wednesday, June 17, in a bid to curb smoking.
The shelter had become a congregation point for smokers.
Its revitalisation is one of several smoke-free initiatives rolled out by the by the South Metropolitan Health Service at the hospital.
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READ NOWLocal artist Samantha Prentice helped the students bring the hospital’s vision to life, employing Noongar language, local wildlife and vibrant colour.
She taught the students from Rockingham Senior High School new design skills and how to spray paint the images.
The students were recruited for the artwork through the school’s Open Book Project.
This project aims to help students with low school attendance rates re-engage with learning by getting them involved in community projects.
By updating this older style bus shelter with a more modern feel, Rockingham General Hospital Adult Community and Allied Health manager Mark Burrows said the hospital hoped to change the aesthetics to help reduce the temptation to smoke there.
“Being able to work with other local providers to address an issue that negatively impacts on individuals and communities is a really powerful message,” Mr Burrows said.
“We all care about health and wellbeing and the various ways we can encourage people to stop smoking.”
This collaboration has been a first for South Metropolitan Health Service, Rockingham Senior High School and the City of Rockingham.
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