There have been a few things happening at Willow Court. Firstly this is a notice on the gates of the Council owned section informing the public of an application for the return of the Archaeology Student from Flinders University and the pending works they wish to start during their stay in February next year.
The second notice is about the pending Kitchen, Eatery and Store due to be fitted out next year and their application for a Liquor Licence. Rodney Dunn from the Agrarian Kitchen is aware of the sensitive nature of the site and is highly respectful of the history. This is a great way for the Council to raise long term funds without insensitive exploration of the site.
The Derwent Valley Council have see fit to sponsor and approve, not one but two insensitive Paranormal tours of the site. We know from worldwide experiences that these will soon start portraying the previous residents and staff as objects of dread to compete for the very limited audience and available dollars.
One is a private business and the other group has strong connections with a number of Councillors who have supported this activity, including the Mayor who once announced the location as the “most haunted in Australia”.
The expression of interest process for other businesses to operate at Willow Court has still not been completed by Council.
I have been sent a picture of this button and an inquiry as to whom would have worn this and from which uniform it would have come from.
If you can help please contact me and I will pass on the information.
On a happier note the Willow Court History Group website has clicked over one million views last month. We believe that people are interested in a sensitive and respectful telling of the history of the hospital.
The weeds are growing in the landscaped areas at the site. The Friends of Willow Court had requested to manage the lawns and gardens, but have been denied access. It is also believed that the FoWC have also been denied access at Willow Court to prepare their submission for general and educational tours.
