The revamped courtyard adjacent to the Spinal Injuries Unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital is now home to a vibrant mural artwork by Kalkadoon and Waanyi artist, Kylie Hill.
The wall mural titled ‘Resilience’ captures the intricate relationships, illustrating how strength and support bind the community.
The rehabilitation journey for people with spinal cord injuries is all about setting goals and the incremental achievements along the path to independence and Kylie’s artwork is a living testament to unity, love, and the shared determination to overcome adversity.
“The symbols in the artwork create a powerful message that inspires actions strengthening relationships and fostering growth, particularly for those with spinal injuries,” Kylie said.
“I love helping others to achieve their goals through art and my desire and inspiration is to connect with people through art that showcases shared history and vibrant culture.”
Kylie has been an artist for 30 years. She believes art can help close the gap, reconcile differences and unite people with the strength found in unity, resilience and hope.
The work of art was commissioned after recent changes to the courtyard from a revamp in the nearby dining room and kitchen which delivered major improvements to bistro dining within the long-stay ward.
The Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service Enhancement Program commenced infrastructure works in the ward and surrounding outdoor spaces in December 2024. The healing piece was completed in January 2026 as the final instalment to that part of the infrastructure program.
The full story of ‘Resilience’ by Aunty Kylie Hill:
In the heart of our vibrant land, where ancient stories weave through the fabric of everyday life, communities thrive, deeply connected to one another and to the earth. This particular community, nestled between sprawling plains and vibrant hills, bears witness to the resilience of its members – especially those facing the challenges of spinal injuries. This mural titled, “Resilience” captures these intricate relationships, illustrating how strength and support bind the community together.
The dominant hues of purple and pinks in the painting symbolise the sky at dusk, a time when community members gather to share stories and wisdom, reflecting on both triumphs and trials, the rich oranges and reds represent the earth, a source of sustenance and the foundation of heritage. Each colour tells a story, from the vibrant flowers blooming in the fields to the deep roots of ancient trees that have stood for generations, mirroring the enduring spirit of those overcoming spinal injuries.
The swirling lines and circular patterns represent pathways of connection – both physical and spiritual. These paths reflect the journeys of community member who navigate not just the terrain of their land, but also the challenges of rehabilitation and recovery. Each dot signifies an individual, a family or a moment in time, illustrating how every person contributes to the tapestry of their community. This artwork stands as a reminder that resilience is not only about personal strength but also about the collective support that uplifts those on their healing journey.
“Resilience” is a living testament to unity, love, and the shared determination to overcome adversity. The mural’s symbols create a powerful message that inspires actions strengthening relationships and fostering growth, particularly for those with spinal injuries. It serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path ahead as the community continues to grow together, deeply rooted in the rich soil of shared history and vibrant culture. Through this artwork, the community embraces not only the challenges faced, but also the strength found in unity, resilience and hope.