From left: Medical graduate Florence Huynh and Miss Jodie Douglas, Head of Professional Staff (holding Charlie Caldwell’s ‘Goanna’ painting), Medical graduate Aiasha Saikal and Associate Dean, Professor Ian Wilson.

Final year medical students at the University of Wollongong have presented a painting by well-known Bundjalung artist Noel ‘Charlie’ Caldwell to their alma mater as a token of their appreciation.

Farewelling the university by presenting a gift has become a UOW tradition. Having thought long and hard about the most appropriate item, the students, many of whom had undertaken practicum training in the Northern Rivers, settled on an original creation from Bundjalung Country.

‘Goanna’ will be hung in a prominent place at the University to ensure maximum viewing of this wonderful work. 

Charlie Caldwell, who comes from Casino, has been painting since he was 15 and draws his inspiration from his Aboriginal heritage. He has also been a mural artist for local schools. In his artist profile at Jambama Arts Centre in Casino he is quoted as saying “painting is a big part of my life and I’ll never stop painting till I die”.