Local – Page 39 – Willow Court Tasmania

DVC Mayor and GM respond to questions about Willow Court

August 7, 2013 1 Comment

The Mayor clarifies the ownership of the Willow Court Tunnel in answering Cr Bester’s questions in April’s Council meeting of the Derwent Valley Council.

The Mayor advised that he was of the view that as the tunnel is on private land Council would have minimal controls on its usage, but if it was utilised to access the tunnel in Crown or Council Land the situation may be different.

Cr. Bester who is a strong supporter of the joint production of the Paranormal Film shot at Willow Court is keen on knowing the result of the outcome with the state’s Anti-Discrimination Commissioner and the Mayor answers as follows.

The Mayor advised that he would ask the General Manager to forward a copy of the correspondence to all councillors.

The General Manager of the Derwent Council answers a question about being flexible in the re-zoning arrangements to accommodate the buildings proponents of the oval precinct.

The General Manager advised that the simple answer was yes. Also changes to the zoning and also to the Conservation Management plan were done to achieve more flexibility in regard to being able to consider a commercial development on site.

Global, Local

Another letter to the Editor

August 1, 2013 No Comments

Another letter has appeared in the Mercury from an ex-staff member and Chairwoman of the Friend’s or Willow Court today. Speaking on her own behalf Anne has brought up some interesting points about the site and it’s history, policy and an apology. She also speaks candidly about the joint Council and APIU film that was created and shares concern about it’s appropriateness in the current light.

Willow Court Advocacy Group has also had a stance against the Paranormal film. While many of us are happy that this hobby and past time be pursed, we prefer that it’s not done at the expense of people living with disabilities who called Willow Court\Lachlan Park home.

The suggestion to join the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience is still a very good alternative to what’s happening right now. It would recognise the past struggles and assist to lay an ethical framework around the telling of Willow Court’s history. That will inform people today so that the human right will not be forgotten for our future. Well done Anne.

Sites of Conscience Website

Global, Local

Restoration Gauge

July 31, 2013 No Comments

Well, restoration has started so we thought we would measure the restoration and prompt restorers and decision makers about the Social History that also needs to be restored and protected. While it is fantastic to have the physical history started we all need to be aware that the social history also needs just as much effort as the physical.

What do we mean by social history? A view of historical events seen in terms of social trends.

Over the 173 years of operation Willow Court and all the other names this institution was known by, has a wealth of social history that needs to be told, shared and archived.

We can gather all this history and store it for future generations to understand our history in this context.

Books, audio recordings, photos and film are all mediums that can record these wonderful stories. If you have been told stories from past generations, that is important to share as part of our history.

After a conversation with a New Norfolk resident and business owner earlier this year I recorded a podcast. He told me that he had never worked at Willow Court or Royal Derwent Hospital but what he described to me was a totally integrated community that had a special perspective of the life and times of the Workforce and Patients that called Willow Court home. Ken’s Story and link to the podcast

Please if you are asked to tell your story, check the credentials of the person you are communicating too, ask:

Where is this going to be stored?

Where is this going to be used?

Who is going to listen to this?

Will the recorder of this information be respectful to the sensitive nature of the Social History?

This article can be used as a basis for your decision to communicate your story. Willow Court Living Memory Report

Global, Local

New Photos by Paul Wellings

July 20, 2013 No Comments

I have been talking to Paul Wellings and looking at his photo collection on his Flickr account and he has given me permission to share these with you. Paul has a great eye for composure and has captured the Oval Wards, Chapel and Admission Ward in a dark and surreal time.

Royal Derwent Admissions Ward

Royal Derwent Chapel

Derwent Ward

Glenora and Esperance Wards

Global, Local

New revamped education tab

July 19, 2013 No Comments

Teaching at Willow Court We have revamped the education tab now for easier student and teacher access, lesson plans, handouts. student resources and films all add to the education that Willow Court and it’s history can provide to people who are studying in the community services, medical and allied health industries.

This is the past informing the future through the present, allowing student to understand the methods and standards of care Tasmanian’s demanded for People living with a disabilities and/or Mental Heath issues, who called Willow Court home.

Along with lots of open source resources this website can assist in informing students of the 173 years of history with audio and video tours, articles, maps and photos throughout time. We can also arrange guided tour with qualified Educators and visiting Guest Speakers. All tour guides have a long history of the site and it’s social and physical history.

Education at Willow Court, media release

(Willow Court Heritage Precinct is currently closed during restoration) Restoration Page

Global, Local

New look articles page

July 9, 2013 No Comments

If you have any documents that would interest our members and you would like to share them please send us a message through the “contact us” tab Click Here . Here is the new look page with links to articles, reports, letters and publications about our Willow Court.

Click Here

Global, Local

Alan Pearson and Lew Rice

July 9, 2013 3 Comments

Alan Pearson who was the Chairman of the RDH Board for many years until closure of the site in 2001, and Lew Rice, well known former employee of RDH and talented saxophone player have passed away. Lew Rice died on Friday, he was in charge of C Ward for many years and both men will be a big loss for the knowledge and social heritage of Willow Court and Royal Derwent Hospital. We send our condolences to the families.

Monochrome photograph of the XL Orchestra. Lew Rice (alto sax & clarinet), Max Whittaker (sax) Vera Maxfield (piano), Jock Morison (violin), Geoff Rice (drums),

Local

Willow Court Media Release

July 2, 2013 No Comments

The Derwent Valley Council has put a media release up on their website well after the community already knew about it nearly two weeks earlier. It would appear that the Council is better at leaking news and not taking the opportunity to be the first to announce to the community the positive stories of Willow Court’s restoration progress. In the latest news from Councillor Damian Bester own web blog, which contained the media release over a week earlier, he suggests that Mercury Columnist, Leo Schofield needs to get the facts right before reporting in the Mercury Newspaper about Willow Court. Both men are employed by the Mercury Newspaper. Social media comments on New Norfolk Facebook groups are condemning Leo Schofield for his critical reflections of The Valley, it’s people and it’s lack of progress over the last decade with Willow Court. The media release offers little new information however the reply on Cr. Damian Bester web-blog will help secure public notoriety before the next local election due in 2014.

Official Media Release

Local

Whats going on here?

June 11, 2013 No Comments

A Council notice, applied 15 metres back from The Avenue on a gum tree advises the public that there is an application for planning approval to install storage containers inbetween Frascati House and the Lachlan River. This notice is hard to see from the road and gives no more information about the storage, it’s purpose and how long it is planned that these storage containers will be in the area. Plans are avalable at the council for 14 days from the application date, which is 27 May.

Global, Local

Bronte Ward under repair.

June 11, 2013 No Comments

John working in the afternoon sun as it streams through the Bronte ward windows. He is applying a coat of paint to the restored frames.

This is what restoration looks like! So many of us have been looking forward to seeing some photos and evidence of work starting at the site.