Community & Business
1 December, 2025
Culturally aware healing inspires art
After enduring a 32‑day stay in intensive care, Oakey artist and Indigenous community leader Peter Wharton is urging people to take any concerning symptoms they may have seriously and seek medical advice from a GP sooner rather than later.
Peter, a proud descendant of the Mardigan, Kooma and Kullilli nations, spent over a month in Toowoomba Hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) after severe complications from the chicken pox virus.
What began as an acute illness escalated rapidly, culminating in a prolonged and life-threatening stay in intensive care, where clinicians and nursing staff worked around the clock to stabilise him.
Peter’s experience carries a clear public-health message: seek medical attention early.
“Get checked before anything bad happens,” he urged.
He emphasised how quickly conditions can deteriorate and encouraged people to see a GP at the first sign of worrying symptoms or any change in health.
Since his discharge, Peter has marked other significant milestones in his recovery and health, including 100 days smoke-free, improved eyesight and weight loss.
In gratitude for the care he received, Peter created and gifted two Aboriginal paintings to the Hospital’s ICU and surgical teams.
“It was a really scary time, especially when I had to face the fact that I needed to be put into a coma,” Peter said.
“The medical team were incredible though, they explained everything so well and made sure I understood what was needed to get better. I’m very grateful to the doctors and nurses for what they did.”
From Peter’s admission to his discharge, the teams provided clinical expertise, cultural sensitivity and family-centred care.
Peter and his family singled out the hospital’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officers for their support.
“They kept my spirits high when I needed it and I enjoyed our yarns,” he said.
The experience inspired him to return to painting for the first time in nearly a decade.
As part of his recovery, Peter produced many works and gifted his two most cherished pieces to the team as a heartfelt gesture to thank them for their care.
“Every painting has a story, they tell a thousand words or more,” Peter said.
His ‘Healing Hands – Modern Medicine to Bush Medicine’ piece gifted to the ICU team, features bush medicine including emu oil, bush berries and beans.
It took two days for Peter to complete, with a full day devoted to intricate dot work representing the medical staff, family, and friends who supported his healing.
On the back of his piece is a special hand-written note that reads: “This painting is to show you my appreciation for your amazing care of me. We have witnessed your love and dedication to everyone who passes through your doors.”
His second painting, gifted to the surgical team, depicts a serene swimming hole and includes dot work completed by his daughter Shayla.
“I did these paintings to show appreciation for helping me — my family’s way of saying thank you,” Peter said.
“It’s been a journey, and I wouldn’t have made it without you fellas.”
Peter presented the artworks to ward staff as a personal and cultural expression of gratitude on the day of his discharge.
