The Friends of Willow Court have a meeting this Thursday evening at the New Norfolk Community House. Mr Brett Noble (Project Officer of the WCCC) is believed to be attending and will discuss the access to Willow Court while restoration projects are underway. It is believe that works will commence this month and continue for 6-9 months.
Tunnel discovery announced
Engineers are examining videos of historic underground tunnels in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley.
Further investigations revealed tunnels about six metres below the surface.
Derwent Valley Mayor Martyn Evans says the tunnels have now been filmed.
It is believed the tunnels date back to the 1830s and could have been used to transfer convicts and patients to the mental health hospital at Willow Court.
The council has announce the video and investigation after discovering last year a suspected air shaft, which was announced by Cr Bromfield at the Frascati Open day in January 2013.
Just examining the video footage it is clear that while there are older building materials used, there are also some more modern materials in use as well. There is also clear evidence of a drain, either storm water of sewage entering the tunnel.
Supermarket plans for oval area (UPDATE)
Click HERE or the picture Supermarket shopping centre announced
THERE is considerable interest in two supermarket proposals that have been lodged with the Council this month, says Councilor Bester.
Click HERE to visit Cr. Damian Bester’s web page to view the current plans for the oval precinct and some of his comments.
One of the area marked to be a shopping supermarket
is this oval at Willow Court while just down the road
100 meters stands the Heritage Precinct of Willow Court.
It will be interesting to see what sort of legacy this
Council will leave the community of New Norfolk
and the Derwent Valley.
It’s not an easy decision for any Councillor to make
when there are competing ideas and philosophies
for this large site with many different pros and cons.
It would be good to let your Councillor know your opinion.
Royal Derwent Hospital’s water supply, sewage and sullage systems
Ken OBrien from New Norfolk who owned the General Store talks about the Royal Derwent Hospital’s water supply, sewage and sullage systems and how they interacted with the township. Now in his 90′s Ken’s vivid memory of the early township was shared at the Frascati Open Day in January 2013.
Shame Cr Judy Bromfield Shame.
Tonight the General Manager of the Derwent Valley Council confirmed that Cr, Judy Bromfield knew about the need for people to run the Long Table Fire Fundraising event at Willow Court tonight and knew the consequences of her plan to defer new (Insured)Members of the Willow Court Committee well before she moved a motion on Thursday Night’s Council Meeting to stop the event.
Her decision can only mean that she did deliberately stop the fundraising event tonight at Willow Court.
Is Councillor Bromfield aware of the stress she has caused to Council employees and volunteers? Shame Cr Bromfield Shame. The General Manager along with Cr Bester did assist at the gates of Willow Court tonight to help inform people that the event would be not going ahead .
Cr Judy Bromfield owes the people who worked hard to arrange this event for the Tasmanian Fire Appeal and the New Norfolk Community an explanation and an apology, this is disgusting behaviour from a Councilor with over 20 years experience.
Media Release
Friends of Willow Court
Media Release
A Derwent Valley Council decision has resulted in the cancellation of the Long Table Dinner Bushfire Fundraiser at Willow Court on 23 February 2013.
At the Derwent Valley Council meeting on Thursday 21 February a motion was moved to have the agenda item to increase the membership of the Friends of Willow Court, to sit on the table until the following meeting, this Motion was carried.
It appears that the Councilors had not been made aware that the people listed were needed to ensure adequate numbers for catering purposes, and compliance with serving of alcohol legislation.
The nine people listed for approval by Council had contacted the Friends of Willow Court specifically to help with the Long Table Dinner. Among these people were a chef, three people with the Responsible Serving of Alcohol certificate and people experienced in catering.
As a result of the Council’s decision the Friends of Willow Court have no option but to cancel the Long Table Dinner Bushfire fundraiser.
Numerous businesses and individuals across Tasmania and some from interstate had supported the event with thousands of dollars worth of donations including food, alcohol, items for the silent auction, and in kind support.
In excess of 80 tickets were sold and together with the silent auction it was anticipated that a minimum of $5000 would have been raised for the Red Cross and Bonorong Bushfire appeal.
People who have booked and are known to Friends of Willow Court committee members will be contacted and advised to seek a refund from the Derwent Valley Council office. People who have booked and are un-contactable will be met at the gates of Willow Court at 6.30 pm on 23 February and advised to also contact the Derwent Valley Council for a refund.
As a volunteer group the Friends of Willow Court are bitterly disappointed that the hard work and enthusiasm they have put into organizing the event has not been supported by Derwent Valley Council elected members.
Anne Salt
Chairperson
Friends of Willow Court
0419213232
Frescati House Plan
This was the House Plan that was on display on the Sunday Heritage Day. It shows past structures and rooms combined. Looking at the current shot (right) taken from the fire escape of “E” Ward this has been a substantial reduction in the structure. The areal shot (left) confirms the plans. All the out buildings have now gone. Margaret’s Richards, Dr Brothers daughters conversation is now loaded on the “audio tab” Click HERE.
Congratulations
CERTIFICATES recognising the community service of a number of local residents were presented at the Derwent Valley Council’s Australia Day celebration on Saturday including Friends of Willow Courts own, Sharon Hutchison.
Sharon Hutchison: Long-term community service through Derwent Valley
Regional Arts, Derwent Valley Community Choir, Tyga FM, Derwent Valley Players
and the Friends of Willow Court
You may know her as “The Matron” or part of the Derwent Valley Community Choir, both performing at the last open day.
Follow The New Norfolk News click HERE
Lots of articles to read
I really like the stories from the people who were connected to Royal Derwent/Willow Court. The living history of these people shows us a glimpse of life within and outside of the institution. Alan Bester went on to be part of a totally new concept in Dementia care in Tasmania. I remember during my training visiting this site and being told that it was a “best practice model” in care provision in Australia. Read more about Allan’s story click HERE or have a look at the “documents” section of this website to find articles listed below;
Remember the children (NDS Public Document)
Evaluation of the Ward 7 Patients
The New Norfolk Hospital for the Insane by Susan Piddock
A role model for rural communities
Willow Court Asylum Precinct Register of the National Estate
DRAFT Events Calendar for Willow Court
Skills Institute Newsletter 2012
Cassy O’Conner MP Inaugural Speech 22 July 2008
Willow Court Final Interpretation Plan 2006
Willow Court Historic Landscape Audit Report 2004
The Barracks Willow Court Short History
Business Plan & Development Plan Prepared by Malcolm MacDonald & Associates 2011
Wage case for Nursing Staff 1985
Frescati Heritage Open Day
What a wonderful time listening to Margaret Richards, the daughter of Dr Brothers, Medical Superintendent this afternoon and looking through Frescati House during the Heritage open day. Margaret lived at Frascati from 1935-1946 with her family up until the age of 11 years. I hope that I will have some audio and picture loaded soon.
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