When Aboriginal artist Saretta Fielding was asked to design Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW’s new volunteer uniforms, she jumped at the chance.
Even though she’d collaborated with the not-for-profit before, the proud Wonnarua woman couldn’t resist the temptation of being part of the organisation’s latest journey.
“I’m delighted to be involved,” she said.
“It’s such a wonderful charity.
“I was really excited, and honoured, to work alongside the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) crew again.
“Rohan and Ross Bingham, who head up the team, are just beautiful people with a heart for others.
“And, because of that leadership and the culture within the group, it carries down to the volunteers.
“They’re the backbone for helping families dealing with such a challenging time.”
The uniforms, unveiled at the Newcastle base during the week, are expected to be worn by more than 400 people, who regularly lend a hand at RMHC.
Through Saretta’s Indigenous design, the outfits tell a tale of Maroong – Good Place.
Interwoven motifs depicting people, country and homes are reflective of the operations of RMHC across the Northern NSW footprint, as well as the wide variety of support and care services offered to children and their families.
“For any design, it’s about getting to know those who are involved in that particular project,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“To know their values, their missions, and what it is they want to say within an artwork about themselves.
“Working with Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW was an amazing opportunity for me on this occasion because it focussed on the volunteers.
“People who just had compassion for children, who are unwell, and their families.
“They’re supporting them through their journey in hospital, they’re giving them a ‘home away from home’.
“So, the design really reflects who RMHC is.
“But, it’s also about people – the U shapes are actually their symbols.
“It is traditional symbolism brought forward in a design that is a contemporary representation.
“It’s reflective of the whole make-up of that Northern NSW story for RMHC.
“The elements of it, which signify ‘home away from home’, the volunteers and the pathways of families through Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“It also picks up their footprint across country, which takes in the Gosford and John Hunter Hospital family rooms, as well as the Tamworth and Newcastle RMHC.
“All of it is part of this wonderful organisation – and what they do.”
Saretta has certainly made her mark on the artistic scene in the Hunter.
In 2010, she officially launched her own business, Saretta Art & Design, in response to the commercial success of her artwork.
“This change of career was a very exciting move for me, as I have always loved painting, drawing and experimenting in a variety of art mediums, as art has long been a passion for me,” she said.
“I am especially drawn to the challenge of conveying to others, through art, how I am influenced by people, life experiences and nature’s beauty.
“In my artwork, I aim to evoke emotion, enhance connection to spirit and country, and invite the viewer to ponder and experience something new.
“Alongside my passion for art and culture is a commitment to seeing the Aboriginal community advance towards economic and social inclusion, which has seen me work within my community from a young age.
“I believe that through unity, vision and planning, we can achieve a sustainable future that embraces reconciliation and is rich in economic opportunity.
“My journey has also afforded me the opportunity to be a pioneering board member of Yarnteen, with appointment to the role of chief executive officer in 2009.”
In 2016, Saretta Art & Design established the Malang Indigenous Corporation, a not-for-profit organisation, bringing the skill and experience of the SAAD team together to champion social investment into the community.
“That allowed me to combine both my love of art and working within my community,” she explained.
