Full Campus Map

Full Campus Map

This is a full Royal Derwent Hospital campus map which includes the Millbrook Rise component which became part of the hospital in 1968 and is the only remaining open section still providing mental health care services to Tasmanians.

It is commonly believed that the hospital closed in 2000 but this is false as this part is still operational. It had it’s own identity from 1934 til 1968, although it did shared staffing with Lachlan Park Hospital and came into the Hospital’s full administration when Lachlan Park changed names to the Royal Derwent Hospital.

The maps come from a campus rationalisation plan. The plan contained three alternatives for building usage, demolition. remain in use and buildings to not be used.  

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Build Heritage call for action, unheard

The Friends of Willow Court took part in the Legislative Council Inquiry into Built Heritage Tourism in Tasmania in 2015. 

“because we want the tourism potential of Willow Court realized”

and believed “Our concern is that while the ownership and management of this nationally significant heritage site is the responsibility of a small regional council, the tourism potential of the site and economic benefits to the Derwent Valley economy will not be realized”.

At the time they believed that, “Willow Court in its current state is a prime example of neglected recognition and interpretation”.

At the end of their submission they made a clear statement and called on the State Government to act. 

“To ensure that the full tourism potential of Willow Court is realized there must be a clear State Government leadership role and expectation of how sites are to be protected and integrated into a Heritage Tourism Strategy.”

While there has been some State Government money put into the Agrarian Eatery there has been little to no investment from Local, State and Federal Governments into the decaying buildings beyond that and the heritage buildings have appeared to have slipped of the agenda. The current plans of the owner, the Derwent Valley Council, have stated their total goals for the current year

 “Council is aware of the need to continue the works started at Willow Court and is looking into various ways of funding this.” 

The full report can be found on our documents tab or click HERE

Related stories:

Built Heritage

Built Heritage Committee Visit Willow Court

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Troubled Asylum and letter

This first edition, signed copy of Troubled Asylum was delivered today and already has a buyer. That buyer had lost their own copy which was purchased while working at the Hospital and this one will be a welcome replacement.

This is a unique copy that the late author, Ralph W Gowlland gave to a friend and confidant and is in the best condition I have yet seen.

Inside was a letter/note from Dr Reginald V Parton, the then Psychiatrist Superintendent. The four page letter/note includes historical notes, present day statistics and the 1978 objectives and functions of the hospital (RDH).

I still have a waiting list of people who wish to buy a copy of this important document, so if you wish to sell a copy please contact me at mark@willowcourttasmania.org and I will put you in touch with buyers who have cash ready and waiting. If you wish to be added to the buyers list also contact me.

Trouble Asylum, Author R. W Gowlland. First edition, signed.
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Heritage listing still waiting

The Heritage listing for Frascati House and The Barracks Heritage Precinct initiated by the then former Federal Member for Lions, Eric Hutchinson in 2015 is still on hold until the September meeting of the Australian Heritage Council.

It is now envisaged the final decision could be known by March next year after Department Representatives have visited the site again. They have already visited on a number of occasions since the 2015 announcement according to today’s news report from the Mercury News paper.

(c) Copyright The Mercury News paper

Former Federal Member for Lions, Eric Hutchinson 

It also appears that “take action now group” from the “Parramatta Female Factory Precinct” are “competing” with Willow Court and are urging members and the public to write submissions in support of their application for Heritage listing.

“HOWEVER, the battle is not over.” according to the author of the website, North Parramatta Residents’ Action Group. The group was a well organised and listed all the contacts to promote the only Site of Conscience in Australia.

“We are competing against Willow Court Barracks Precinct and Frescati House in Tasmania and Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne.”

Related stories:

Start of the Heritage listing process for Willow Court

Willow Court mentioned in Canberra

Call for “Public Comment” on Heritage listing

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Alexander Laing Report

Traditional Soldiers

On Sunday May the 14th 2017 the Derwent Valley was alive with the sound of music. It might seem a little cliché, but what better way to describe the complimentary sounds of guitar and violin echoing around the valley. The valley and some of the many heritage listed homesteads, churches and significant locations such as Willow Court, played host to people from all over Tasmania. First of its kind here in the valley the day showcased many nineteenth century Australian bush style folk tunes written by Alexander Laing.

Originally from Scotland, Laing was sentenced to seven years for stealing and transported to Sydney before moving to Van Diemen’s Land at the age of twenty-three. On receiving a ticket of leave, Laing went on to become Chief Constable of Police in Sorrell, Richmond and New Norfolk. Musically minded, Laing played the violin and wrote over sixty original compositions. Recently uncovered by retired Port Arthur historian Peter MacFie, these once popular pieces are again evoking the imaginations of Tasmanians here in the valley.

Played at their place of inspiration by the energising Sorrell based trio the ‘Green Hills Gathering’  the program consisted of an exciting variance of waltzes, hornpipes, marches and jigs each played with devotion to the composer’s intent. The assertive and vibrant melodies had the audience tapping their toes and bobbing their heads with the music. Even the frogs and kookaburras in the picturesque setting of Glenleith joined in with their own choral contribution. With so many standout tunes it was hard to pick a crowd favourite though the Tasmanian Waltz played at Tasmania’s oldest church,  St. Matthews  was of particular appeal for its patriotic quality, dedicated to the renaming of Tasmania in 1856.

St Matthews Church

Organised and proudly presented by the Friends of Willow Court, the dedicated members were pleased to provide specialised commentary highlighting the rich history of the Derwent Valley, including the Barracks at Willow Court where Laing occupied the role of Upper Wardsman. The site which is rarely open to the public, offered an ambience reminiscent of colonial times with many tunes dedicated to Dr Huston and his family. Additionally during his time at Willow Court Laing wrote a testimonial acknowledging Huston’s preference for non violence and threatening care of asylum patients. The tour included an historical walk around the heritage listed gardens and Frascati House where Huston and his family resided. Guests were greeted to a mini market of locally crafted items and members of the Frascati House Committee were there to share their abundance of knowledge and insight of Frascati’s history.

Frascati House

Reminders of Tasmania’s rich colonial history can be found in the numerous historical buildings and streetscapes of the Derwent Valley. A particular highlight of the tour included St. Pauls Uniting Church where Laing’s children were baptised. In an effort to right old wrongs, Laing acknowledged his loyalty to the crown by naming his children after British royalty. Unique to many, the church was of particular appeal for its well preserved original furnishings. The wooden cedar pews and brass pipe floor heating stealing the limelight of the show. The audience did well to ad heed the advice of the Royal Marines who gingerly warned “If you smell something burning, it is just your sole”.

Soldiers supply security

With so many sites to visit and two bus loads full of enthusiasts the red coated Royal Marines ensured the day ran smoothly. This representation, being free from the traumatic aspects of the war, instead offered an artistic revival of the Derwent Rifles, who were a volunteer rifle company who paraded in New Norfolk during the mid 1800’s. With rifles left at the door, the Lachlan Hall, dressed for a Mother’s Day luncheon was well prepared for the hungry onslaught.

Guests became acquainted over a hearty meal of soups and sandwiches, and in the process identified connections to family, locations and Alexander Laing himself. On stage the string ensemble gathered to the admiration of the crowd. The lively trio entertained once again with a colourful array of allegro marches dedicated to the Derwent Rifles.

The successful day concluded with a momentous performance at the impressive homestead Glen Derwent. Formally the Elwin Hotel the property has a rich history telling the story of Irish leader William Smith O’Brien who resided at the property until his release in 1854. The congregation collected in the Oast House where the acoustics of the small stone building inevitably changed the sound of the music, creating an electrifying climax to the day’s adventures.

The autumn colours and country cottage flowers delivered a lovely backdrop for a garden tea party of scones and jam. Guests mingled and reflected on the days events. Members of the Friends of Willow Court were inundated with compliments acknowledging how the Fiddle Excursion had exceeded all expectations.  Guests especially looked forward to the prospect of similar excursions in the future.

The hard workers

Delighted to receive the positive and rewarding feedback on the day’s achievements, the Friends of Willow Court were also pleased to have raised funds for the Willow Court Restoration Fund, and acknowledge and thank all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the event.

For more images click below

Open Days & Events

My thanks to Nadia Lobb for this report and images.

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Oral History recording

Last Saturday a group from the Friends of Willow Court and one member of the Willow Court History Group went for a day training session at the Glenorchy Linc. The training was provided by “Oral History Tasmania” who have a high standard of professionalism and ethics when recording the stories of Tasmanian’s and is a part of the national group,  Oral History Australia Inc.

The Friends of Willow Court are members of Oral History Tasmania and have been part of the recording history project that the Willow Court History Group have been a part of for the past 3 years. We have accumulated many hours of podcasts across of broad spectrum of the history at Willow Court, Royal Derwent Hospital and Lachlan Park Hospital.

When gathering Oral History recordings we have been abiding by the “Oral History Australia Inc.” Guidelines of ethical practice. We have recorded oral history from 1938 to the closure in 2000. This has been lived experience from patients, all levels of care staff, trades persons and senior management.

We are looking for people who are able to contribute to the oral history repository of Willow Court. We need more people who experienced being a patient, senior policy makers, cleaners, Millbrook Rise staff and patients, Parents and Friends Association, Community support organisations and people who may have been regular visitors at the site. We also have an interest in finding more Doctors, senior and junior nursing staff who worked on the east side of the Royal Derwent Hospital and I’m sure I have missed many areas of the history so please contact us at: 

Contact & Support Us

 

 

 

 

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Don’t you know there’s war on?!

During war years there are many changes, shortage of staff and the stopping of building programs. The first World War was no exce6ption. The planned recreational hall was drawn up and amounted to a cost of 1000 pounds, it was to be on the same site as the Administration Building and was to be a main hall of 90 feet by 60 feet with a stage of 20 feet by 60 feet and there were to be two clock rooms and a bio-scope platform,  but the Government of the day decided against building while the country was at war. However extensions to the laundry and the additions of a new hydro-extractor, drying machine, washing machine and six-roller mangle were welcomed at the hospital. We also see the long serving Dr MacFarlane taken ill and being temporarily replaced. By 1915 Dr MacFarlane, after 34 years of service to the hospital died after “a short illness”.

A new Doctor was appointed as Superintendent, Dr E. Sydney Morris had a big job ahead. The defense Department wrote to the Hospital in 1915 and asked for “separate treatment, terms etc. for Returned Soldiers”. After each war the population of the hospital had a dramatic increase. Returning Soldiers, and families baring the stress and strain of having family away and being killed all added to the greater number of patients the hospital would have to cope with, often during difficult financial times.

 

The rise of admissions was evident during the First and Second World Wars and you can also see a rise between 1899-02 during Australia’s involvement in the Boer War.

“The war has somewhat depleted our staff, there being at present two clerks and ten attendants serving with the forces”, it was also noted in the report that the death of Private A. A. Anderson was recorded with great sadness. This wasn’t  going to be the last sad news for the staff at the hospital, the war had only just begun. Dr Morris resigned and enlisted by 1918 and Dr Lalor from Victoria’s Kew Mental Hospital was to be appointed Acting Medical Superintendent.

 

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Changing and evolving ideas of disability support

This organisational chart from 1973 today looks very different with the roll out and empowerment that comes with the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Australia is falling into line with it’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and previous theories of Normalisation and Social Role Valerisation (SRV). Today’s idea of person-centred-practice fits neatly into the NDIS model. This has been a major change in attitude of policy makers driven by self advocates and families for a number of decades.

Each organisation chart opens up in a separate tab. The idea of the NDIS placed the person in control of their support services.

The structure of a Medical Hospital Model at RDH in 1973.

 

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Royal Family at the Hospital?

From: The Hobarton Mercury Mon 10 Mar 1856 Page 3

THE LUNATIC ASYLUM, NEW NORFOLK.
ON Wednesday, en route to Hamilton, we stopped at New Norfolk for a short time, and
being desirous to inspect the Lunatic Asylum, we proceeded thither, accompanied by a friend, and, introducing ourselves to Dr. Houston (Dr. George Francis Huston), were very politely received by that gentleman, who afforded every facility to the object of our visit. Under
his guidance we viewed every part of the establishment, and we ware much gratified with the good order, cleanliness, and general arrangement.

There are about two hundred patients, male and female, for whose comfort every means are supplied: they are carefully classified with Nos. 1, 2, and 3 classes, according to the particular nature of their maladies, cells being appropriated to the more furiously maniacal: of these there are several, and we witnessed two poor fellows whose abhorrent antipathy to bright colours, red or scarlet particularly, we were informed, excited a paroxysm.

Instances of extraordinary delusion are common: one remarkably fine woman fancies herself a princess, with a duke for a father and a duchess for a mother, and who very graciously held out her hand for us to kiss. Another young female imagines herself to be twelve hundred years old, and requested our assistance to procure for her a comfortable cottage. The majority of cases are those of melancholy and idiotic madness, sad enough, indeed, but not so terrible as raving madness. 

The dietary is ample, even luxurious, and the garden set apart for the recreation of those who are in a condition to enjoy it, is in first-rate condition. An excellent feature in the management is the employment of patients in gardening, milking the cows, and other occupations, calculated to find them pleasurable and healthy employment: some patients engaged in this manner receive extra rations of milk, rice, &c., while the occupation
itself is a well-prized indulgence. In fact, the whole arrangements of the establishment are most admirable, and reflect the highest credit upon the superintendent, Dr. Houston (Dr. George Francis Huston), whose attention to the health and comfort of the unfortunate inmates are worthy of all praise. As in England, so here, the old system of coercion, except in cases actually
requiring it, is abolished, and the soothing treatment is fully appreciated by those who are enabled to judge of and feel its influence.

The expressions of gratitude, nay, even of affection, towards the worthy doctor are warm and sincere, and it is pleasing to witness in so melancholy an abode this due appreciation of conduct so judicious and inestimable.

In conclusion, we may add that we were pleased, yet saddened, with the result of our
visit; pleased with the kind attention of the medical officer, and indeed of all his subordinates, and with the arrangements provided for the comfort and well-being of the poor patients; – saddened by the contemplation of so many of our fellow creatures afflicted with the most grievous and melancholy of all maladies–loss of reason.

Original story HERE

This story was written 6 months after the Hospital had changed practices from being run by the Imperial Government to having autonomy along with the Colony This change and hand over of the New Norfolk establishment was on October 18th 1855.

This was an important time because we start to see better record keeping practices develop around patient notes and treatments. The visit by the reporter wasn’t a coincidence, this is how news was gathered and the Hospital had just been criticised for the lack of documentation and also the total lack of any form of investigation into complaints nor inquests conducted.

Dr Huston, as it was reported was actually Dr. George Francis Huston and was most likely very excepting of the visiting reporter and wanted to show off the Hospital, and clearly the visitors were impressed. However the quote from Gowlland’s book paints a very different picture of the time:

From An Imperial to A Colonial Establishment with the change in responsibility came the establishment of a Board of Commissioners who were given charge of the New Norfolk Hospital and the first snapshot of conditions within the Hospital. The Commissioners were to find much wrong with the Hospital as indicated in their initial report to the Governor: …

its condition very far behind that of similar institutions in the Mother Country. The internal accommodation of the several buildings were small, badly constructed, ill ventilated, dark dismal, while the day rooms, so called, afforded very inadequate convenience for the purpose intended. The yards and grounds were subdivided by high walls, and the spaces allotted for exercise and outdoor recreation were of the most limited character (Quoted in Gowlland 1981: 50).

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Future plans for Archaeology at Willow Court in 2018 and 2017 Report

The outcomes of the 2017 field season included:
 The excavation of three underfloor areas beneath rooms in the Barracks (the old
hardware store room, pharmacy and Assistant Superintendent’s office) and the
excavation of three trenches at the rear of Frescati.

 To enable the excavations at the Barracks, floorboards were removed from parts of
the floor of the hardware store and pharmacy. These were removed by the Centre for
Heritage at Oatlands. These boards will be replaced by the Centre for Heritage at
Oatlands. No boards were removed in the Assistant Superintendent’s office.

 The artefacts from the Barracks included hundred of pieces of butchered animal bone
(mainly sheep and cow), buttons, clay pipes and discarded medical equipment. This
will all be documented, analysed and interpreted by Flinders University Honours
student, Calvin Logan, as part of his Honours thesis. A copy of this thesis will be
provided to the DVC upon completion at the end of 2017.

 The excavations at the rear of Frescati did not reveal any outbuildings and contained
very few artifacts. A short report on these trenches will be provided to the DVC upon
completion in late 2017.

 A Community Open Day held on Sunday 12th February. We estimate that c300 people
attended this event.

 A special ‘Kids’ Dig’ was trialed as part of the Open Day and was very successful.
Feedback from parents indicated that it was both engaging and valuable.

 50 year 7 history students from Ogilvie High School visited the site on Friday 17th
February.

The Council provided the following ‘in-kind’ and financial support for this project, all financial assistance was requested to be allocated to the Willow Court Reservation Fund 2016 budget allocation as noted in the decision of the Council. This excludes the cost of time allocated to this project by indoor staff.

Future plans for Archaeology at Willow Court in 2018 (YET TO BE APPOVED)
Several community members asked whether they could participate in the excavations in
future. To facilitate this we would like to excavate next year in the Carlton (C Ward) yard, at the location of the former Gentlemen’s Cottage (A Ward above). This is a large outdoor area that could easily accommodate community participation. We would like to invite members of the community to take part in all aspects of the archaeology for the duration of the field school (to be held in February 2018 – precise dates to be advised).

Flinders University, the University of Tasmania and the University of Canberra are interested in applying for two grants for various aspects of Archaeology at Willow Court.

 

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