Had a wonderful day at New Norfolk last weekend, lots to visit and see. We had lunch at the Patchwork Café (Therapeutic Centre/School house) and I would recommend it. For those that don’t know the area as well, this is in the privately owned and operated section of Willow Court and has budget accommodation, antique shops and a craft shop.
There was a note left in the visitors book at the nurse’s quarters, pictured above. You are never far away from a diverse opinion when up at Willow Court. While the author writes that this is not a place to celebrate, it could be said that the human struggle that took place there is something to celebrate, as victory over an oppressive system (for some) did happen and many remember their time as residents and staff with fondness.
It really screams “social restoration” which would allow everyone to tell their story from their view. That would and should include the past residents as well.
2 Comments
There was never anything nice or romantic about that state hospital and the experience was especially unpleasant for patients and visitors alike.
In the community the Royal Derwent Hospital was a symbol of hopelessness and stigma, and had a disciplining effect, and that was one of the reasons it had to go in order, to finish off that culture if nothing else. It was also cleaned out with advances in psychiatry with drugs chlorpromazine, and tricyclic antidepressants and the introduction of counseling and psychotherapy which appeared in the late 60s.
However, as delighted as former patients will be if it is razed in its entirety, the general public is going to have trouble remembering the reasons for above and seems to be manifest in neoconservative policies such as is happening in Queensland where people are getting locked up again. This is why its such an important part of health/hospital heritage/history and is a cautionary tale from the not too distant past.
Past to present, memory to action. Thanks for your comments Michael.