Past to Present. Memory to Action
For those who are local, there are two opportunities to be at the launch of a new book authored by Karen Knight (Postcards from the Asylum) and Liz McQuilkin. The first is at the Hobart Bookshop and the second (yet to be formally announced) is at Willow Court on the Open Day in January 2019. This will be confirmed as news comes to hand. “Renovating Madness” is a book of Poems.
The Launch will be presented by the first Teacher at Lachlan Park Hospital, Margaret Reynolds.
Public Lecture information sheet
Invitation to a talk by Margaret Reynolds “The Royal Derwent Hospital at New Norfolk”
Many Tasmanians have links to this hospital but few want to talk about their experience of the
state’s only mental institution. Some people worked there and some had family in treatment
briefly or for many years. A large number of children with disabilities grew up there and some
recall abusive treatment.
Time: Thursday, 1 May 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Venue: Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts, Ground floor, 91 Murray St (LINC Tasmania)
Jointly Sponsored by the Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office and the
Professional Historians Association (Tasmania)
RSVPs are essential
Please contact:
Caroline Evans
carolineevans@iinet.net.au
More from the Mercury about an apology to the previous Patients of Royal Derwent Hospital/Willow Court Training Centre. Two people are featured in this article, one an ex-patient and the other an ex-staff member. Both people wrote to the Mercury a couple of weeks ago with diverse and opposed opinions and experiences. Article from Margaret Reynolds in today’s Mercury
The apology…”in principle I would support it”
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.