Eric Hutchinson MP – Willow Court Tasmania

Heritage listing still waiting

July 8, 2017 No Comments

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.”

Announcement: Willow Court Restoration Complete (stage 1)

November 1, 2015 No Comments

New Norfolk News has reported that Willow Court Historic Precinct (stage 1) conservation work has now been complete. It was believed that Reporter and Councilor Damian Bester attended the Lyons Community Breakfast and has reported the words of Eric Hutchinson MP Members for Lyons.

“Mr Hutchinson touched on the significance of hosting the event at Willow Court, where the $2 million first stage of a conservation and redevelopment project has just been completed”

Eric Hutchinson also went on to update the gathered crowd about the Heritage listing of Willow Court

“He said the site’s nomination for National Heritage List status had progressed to the full assessment stage.”

We are keen, now that this announcement has been made, to know what the Derwent Valley Council’s plans are for the site. In particular:

Tours,

Public Access,

Community House relocation,

Educational tours,

Events for,

Ex-employees, Residents/Advocates and families and the general public.

We are excited to hear this announcement through the New Norfolk News outlet and we are pleased that Eric Hutchinson has taken this site on with such enthusiasm. It is hoped that the Council will announce its plans soon and we also hope that they are as enthusiastic and big picture as their Federal Member of Parliament.

Global, Local

Willow Court Open?

October 29, 2015 No Comments

This morning Willow Court had its first event in the old Bronte Ward called the “Lyons Community Breakfast. The site officially remains closed for conservation work. Tours, or any sort of access for the general public hasn’t been available. This morning special guest the Prime Minister, Mr Malcolm Turnbull MP and the Member for Lyons Eric Hutchinson MP had an early start at the oldest asylum in Australia. Minister responsible for the Environment and Heritage, Mr Greg Hunt is also in Tasmania at the moment and it is unclear if he will attend. We are not sure if the Prime Minister had a tour of the buildings that are currently going through the Heritage listing process or if there was an opening ceremony of the site.