I had the privilege of collaborating with Opal Aged Care Provider to make a train experience like no other. Interior designer and project manager at Opal, Bradley Sebastiao, built a train carriage interior inside Blacktown’s large aged care home, with enough space to seat passengers at two tables and room for bed bound people to be wheeled in and have a view. I’ve created a video that takes passengers from Sydney’s iconic harbourside amusement playground, Luna Park through parts of the CBD to the outer west and into the Blue Mountains. The journey is a digital collage that crosses time, showing historical images with a mixture of Australiana: flowers, animals and a backyard BBQ.
The installation is designed to stimulate memories and conversation. It activates connection, in the mind and between passengers and the staff taking care of them. The room is designed to allow family members to visit, giving grandparents the opportunity to share an experience and share stories with their grandchildren. It’s also respite for anyone that wants to just rest, seeing some beautiful imagery and have a cup of tea as the tea trolley goes by.
