The foyer of Northern Hospital Epping came alive with colour and creativity on Wednesday, 4 November, as staff, patients and visitors came together for Hands of Joy, a special Mehendi painting event marking Deepavali, the Festival of Lights.

The event brought a beautiful sense of community to the hospital, with intricate Mehendi designs, warm conversations and shared moments of joy creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who took part.

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated around the world. Symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, the festival is a time for reflection, gratitude and togetherness.

At the heart of the celebration was the traditional art of Mehendi, with staff showcasing their skills by creating beautiful henna designs for colleagues, patients and visitors.

Wendy Nicol, Operations Manager, Support Services, said, “It was wonderful to involve our PSAs, Prit and Hari, in the Diwali celebrations and to see their exceptional Mehndi skills on display. Their contributions helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, bringing together staff, patients, and visitors to share in the joy of the Festival of Lights. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate culture, strengthen connections, and foster a strong sense of community at Northern Health.”

Their contributions were complemented by Harpreet Kaur from the Transcultural and Language Services (TALS) team, who also shared her Mehendi artistry with staff, patients and visitors, helping extend the spirit of celebration and cultural connection across Northern Health.

For David Tran, Divisional Director, Women’s and Children’s, Hands of Joy offered a chance to connect with colleagues beyond their everyday roles. “It was lovely to see so many colleagues stop by our Hands of Joy stand to celebrate Deepavali. For many of our staff, it’s a special time of year, and it was a chance for them to share what the festival means to them. I love that we can take a moment in a busy hospital day to celebrate together and get to know the people we work with a little better. That’s something I really value about working at Northern Health,” he said.

The celebration was a collaborative effort between the Transcultural and Language Services (TALS) team, Women and Children’s Unit and Support Services, reflecting the spirit of teamwork and inclusion across Northern Health.

Yue Hu, Director, Transcultural and Language Services and Aboriginal Support Unit, said, “Culture grounds us, shapes who we are and brings us together. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn and appreciate different traditions and celebrate the diversity.”

As one of Victoria’s most culturally diverse health services, celebrations like Hands of Joy provide an opportunity to recognise the traditions and cultures of our people, while creating meaningful connections with the communities we serve.

Thank you to everyone who helped bring Hands of Joy to life, and to all the staff, patients, and visitors who joined us in celebrating.

To everyone who celebrated Deepavali on Sunday, we hope your Festival of Lights was filled with joy, warmth, and cherished moments with loved ones.