Troubled Asylum sold $285

Troubled asylumToday a Launceston second hand book shop, “Just Tassie Books” advertised a copy of Ralph W Gowlland’s “Troubled Asylum” on their facebook page. This first edition copy, in good condition without the Author’s signature sold in a matter of hours for $285. The book is considered scarce, but not rare and is demanding a good return on it’s original $25 investment. The second edition copy, when printed was not selling and it was reported that a number of copies were simply given away. The second edition copy now sells for $150 plus and like the first edition is considered a necessary item for the Willow Court enthusiast and for the researcher or academic, an absolute must have item.

Other suggested reading is Dr Gavin M Crabbe’s, “History of Lachlan Park Hospital” (rare) and Lawrence Edward Cullen’s  “Royal Derwent Hospital – past to present 1936 – 1978” is a great personal perspective, through the eyes of an employee who had seen many changes in the physical appearance of the hospital and the medical advancements in those years.

Other minor publications have connections with the Hospital in some way. Rachel Greene’s self published (out of print) book , “Through the Window” talks about her time living at the Willow Court Training Centre and her deinstitutionalisation into the Community during the 1980’s, while Marion Geyssel gives a pictorial essay in her book, “Royal Derwent Hospital – willow court”. She photographs the vandalised buildings and their remaining contents. Her now, out of print book has very few words and she mainly relies on the pictures to tell the story.

“The Background to the History of Nursing in Tasmania”, by Beatrix Kelly also contains some elements of the hospital’s history of “Mental Nursing”.  “The Story of Keith Carter” by Jill McElwee, “Postcards from the Asylum” by Karen Knight an ex patient and “From darkness to light: a true story” of Carleen Paul a patient at Royal Derwent Hospital are all worth reading but scarce or rare to find. Listen to Carla Paul on our audio tab.

All of these books are not in print and can only be found in the State Library, TasTAFE Library or on the market through secondhand dealers who tend to deal in rare and scarce Tasmanian publications.

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Another brick in the wall

Another brick in the wall and conserved at Willow Court, as the restoration/conservation joint project makes a start. Anne Salt the current Chairperson of the Friends of Willow Court is pictured below chipping all the bricks out then applying mortar which was made to a traditional mix of river sand and lime. Each of the weathered bricks are chipped out and then turned around before being remortared. The finished section is then pointed ready for the finishing lime wash. This is a joint project between the Tidy Towns Committee and the Friends of Willow Court/DVC.

The new Lime wash has started to be applied today and so far two coats have gone on. You can see some of the original colour on the wall and the new colour would be very similar. This is a big job the Friends of Willow Court and the Tidy Town group have taken on but will done all.  476 536 mms_img729532170_2

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Call for “Public Comment” on Heritage listing

The Australian Heritage Council have called for public comments on the assessment of Willow Court Barracks Precinct and Frascati House for the National Heritage List. Derwent Valley Council have an agenda item for yesterday’s meeting to discuss the formation of a group of Councillors and the Regional Development Officer to supply additional evidence and review the submission created by Malcolm McDonald at the Council’s request. To find the full agenda item on the Derwent Valley Council’s website CLICK HERE

Below is the estimated timeframe for Heritage Assessment of the site from the Government website. It is listed for 30/06/2017. Comments must be recieve before the 18th December 2015.

 

 

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White Flower Memorial

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“Every day from October 27 until November 25, 2015, White Flower Memorial will remember a person or people with a disability.”

This is the call from a Facebook site that has called on the community to stop violence against people with disabilities and each day a place or a person is remembered.  On the 17th November Willow Court was remembered.

A short list of people who have suffered at the hands of the very people whom they trusted  is contained below. The ongoing campaign of protests and petitions is calling for change to systems where people are not receiving justice and or perpetrators of such offences are being let off and justified because their victim had a disability. The ongoing abuse of people with a disability is still an issue within our community. This does not take into consideration the isolation that institutionalisation care caused, when all of the Government policies and community resources are located in large establishments such as Willow Court and Yarra Bend. 

“We have had enough.” 

Take action now. Tell your local member of parliament that we need a Royal Commission into violence, abuse and neglect of people with disability. Ask them to#endtheviolence by clicking this linkbit.ly/etvagainstpwd

November 11 – Media reports that a NSW mother is being tried for manslaughter of her 11 year old son, who was bound to a chair, doused in cold water and left in a shed, where he died of hyperthermia. The prosecution alleges a long history of abuse, restraint and torture. http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/autistic-boy-died-are-being-bound-to-chair-and-showered-in-cold-water-court-20151111-gkwc17

November 10 – A bus driver who allegedly told a Canberra child with special needs to put a pillowcase over his head and “go to sleep” and an aide who told the child to ‘change your underwear because you smell like shit’ have been stood down. http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/bus-driver-and-aide-stood-down-over-pillowcase-on-childs-head-20151110-gkv4j4.html#ixzz3rBmBG4o1

November 9 – A 16 year old autistic boy is found chained to a bed in Sydney. His mother is interviewed after she returned from her shopping trip.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-10/teenager-found-chained-to-bed-in-blacktown-sydney’s-west/6928444

November 6 – Multiple instances of abuse reported across NSW, including clients who were kicked and stamped on, locked in cars whilst staff played pokies and many other cases – https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/30021617/disabled-patient-kicked-stomped-on-in-horrific-accounts-of-abuse/#play

November 5 – Current Affair story about very young children put into a small room in a primary school.http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article/9049647/boy-in-a-box

October 28 – Details emerge about WA worker fired from a government group home after a disabled man had his genitals blasted with water at such high pressure that he screamed. Other details included people with disability being left in unventilated vans, putting aftershave on shaving cuts and physically abusing clients. https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/29928005/staff-abuse-of-disabled-revealed/

October 28 – School puts autistic boy in cell like room with just a thin mattress on floor and pillow – Qldhttp://www.scribd.com/doc/287338662/School-Puts-Autistic-Boy-in-Cell-Like-Room-QLD

October 30 – Student with disability tied to chair with seat belt – https://www.scribd.com/doc/287809156/Parents-Claim-Special-Needs-Student-Tied-to-Chair-With-Seat-Belt

October 4 – Victoria – a coffin like structure is built to lock up Autistic people by a major service providerhttp://www.theage.com.au/victoria/wooden-box-built-to-lock-up-autistic-people-20151004-gk0uzo.html

September 22 – Victoria – teacher reports that students at a Bendigo school are caged and hurt by staff who use ‘pressure points’ to restrain students.

September 11 – ACT – Student locked in Canberra classroom in blue cage described as a ‘sanctuary’ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-11/cage-used-to-contain-boy-with-autism-described-as-sanctuary/6767710

August 31 – Victoria – Human services worker confesses to multiply raping and abusing eight clients in government run care facilities.http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/human-services-worker-craig-gilbert-handasyde-betrayed-parents-trust-court-hears-20150831-gjblp1.html

FOR HELP: Talking about crime can be a trigger for sad and upsetting experiences. If you feel like you need help you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit this website www.lifeline.org.au. You may also want to contact the National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline by calling 1800 880 052 – or the 1800 Respect service by calling 1800 737 732. The Tell Someone website may also be able to help you – click this link to visit it www.tellsomeone.org.au

Image description – an image of a cage in a classroom, a coffin shaped box, a chair with restraints and a young woman with bruises across her legs. The title reads ‘enough’ and there is a hashtag which reads #endtheviolence.

In response to writing on the petition I have receive emails back from

archerThank you for your email regarding ending violence against people living with a disability in Australia. 

There is a great deal of work and activity going on at both a local level in Tasmania and at a National level to address this issue. 

I am advised that Tasmania has a range of protections in place for people living with a disability, including the Department of Health and Human Services’ Quality and Safety Framework, support for the National Abuse Hotline, and the Preventing and Responding to Abuse in Disability Services Policy and Procedure. The Tasmanian Government is in the process of implementing Working with Children registration and will roll out Working with Vulnerable people registration in 2017. 

You may be aware of the Tasmanian Government’s Family Violence Action Plan, Safe Homes Safe Families, which was launched in August 2015. 

Eliminating family violence is a top priority for the Tasmanian Government, as violence against anyone, in any form, is unacceptable. 

It is anticipated that implementation of the Action Plan will provide:
○	greater awareness of, and better access to, support services;
○	better support for victims dealing with family violence through co-locating government services;
○	changing the attitudes and behaviours that lead to family violence across all communities;
○	targeted support for those at higher risk of being affected by family violence; and
○	focus on perpetrators of family violence being accountable for their crimes and changing their behaviour.

The Action Plan is responsive to the reality that women living with a disability are more likely to experience violence, that the violence can be more severe and last longer than for other women, and that this violence often goes unrecognised. 

The Tasmanian Government has also made a strong commitment to supporting the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010-2022. The National Plan is focused on delivering a sustained reduction in violence against women by 2022.
There are a range of new developments which will further inform how we can better protect people with disability from violence and abuse. I am aware the Minister is watching closely and will participate as required in the National Senate Inquiry concerning violence, abuse and neglect against people with disability in institutional and residential settings. The State Government will then consider recommendations from this inquiry carefully in the Tasmanian context. 

All Australian Governments have agreed to the development of a national approach to quality and safeguards as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The national framework should maximise the opportunities for people living with a disability to make decisions about their supports whilst also enabling them to live free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

I hope this information has reassured you that this issue is very much on the agenda of Governments around Australia and that significant effort is being directed into improving protections from violence for people living with a disability. 

Thank you once again for raising this matter direct with me. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to make contact with me again.

Kind regards
Elise

groomOn behalf of Minister Groom, I would like to acknowledge and thank you for your email.

This will be brought to the Minister’s attention.

Kind regards

Lauren

Lauren Hancox

 

Administration Assistant | Reception

Office of the Hon Matthew Groom MP

On behalf of Andrew Willkie:

andrew-wilkieThank you for your email. These are very important matters you raise. 

I see that the committee resorts on 25 November. I will discuss the outcomes of that report and the matters you raise in your email with Mr Wilkie and get back to you.

Kind Regards

Nicky McKibben
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Willow Court wall restoration project

wall project WC Tour 12.11.15 057

A joint project between the Friends of Willow Court/Derwent Valley Council and the Members of the Tidy Towns Committee is about to embark on a major project to conserve the original walls around Willow Court. These walls once were lime washed which protected the brickwork from excessive weathering. The picture above shows how badly the bricks have survived over their lifetime along with graffiti and the odd human intervention, these walls are in great need of some restoration works. The project which is about to start, and is calling for interested people to join will start by applicants obtaining their “white card” WH&S qualification this week. Training is offered to the applicants and skills in heritage restoration will be taught throughout the project’s life. Applicates are expected to develop heritage conservation, some building skills and employability skills that will assist them obtain work in the building and or heritage conservation industries. The article (left) from Ben Waterworth from the Derwent Valley Gazette explains details and gives contact details.

 

Images (c) Copyright 2015 Willow Court History Group Inc.WC Tour 12.11.15 056

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Lost opportunity?

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Today I conducted a tour for a group of people through the Willow Court area. We started at the edge of the supermarket which once was the oval, the large supporting wall behind the building is still intact and stands to the memory of the one man (patient) who almost completed the wall himself. We went on and listen to Anne McKinstray’s audio tour of the oval wards G, E and D while looking at each of the remaining buildings. We then went past the different buildings along the Avenue and heard about one or two characters and some of their lives journey, working conditions and connections with wars and the community, this included Matron Morey and her story of the gold sovereign. Then over to Frascati House to hear how Dr Brothers wife worked to make camouflage nets for the second world war. We weren’t able to access the COMPLETED Barracks (stage one) area and felt disappointed not to be able to access this area and tell the wonderful stories that area had to say. Is that what you call a lost business and educational opportunity?

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The bells are ringing

door bell c ward 2door bell c wardRecently donated doorbell.

More and more articles, stories and artifacts are finding their way back to Willow Court. The most recent is this doorbell, which was located on Carlton House or C Ward. The person who supplied this prefered to stay anonymous, but stated that there was many of these and that each ward had one. As there were many trades people on site they were build at Willow Court. The wooden box contained batteries with the bell on the outside. Not much is known about these and we would be interested to know more and if there were any stories attached that would be good. I could just imagine the local kids ringing and running, or was that just me?

Anyone interested in donating items can contact members of the Friends of Willow Court. I will supply contact details via email. Dont forget that we are now in possession of two artifact lists, so will monitor the listing of all things donated or loaned and would have no issue with involving police should something go missing.

Please be aware that there are a number of people/groups out there seeking donations, some for themselves and others are holding items but have not forwarded those entrusted items to be recorded within the collection.

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Announcement: Willow Court Restoration Complete (stage 1)

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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.

 

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Tasmania’s Eugenics History.

Mental deficency Bill cover

The Mental Deficiency Bill 1920 is a report from the select committee which was appointed on the 22nd September 1920 to consider and report upon the Bill. This 8 double page document looks at Tasmania’s 1920 Bill and supplies evidence and minutes of their proceedings.

“The Select Committee appointed by your Honourable House to consider the Mental Deficiency Bill has now the honour to present its report.

Your Committee went into the principles and details of the Bill exhaustively and obtained the views of Dr E. S. Morris, Chief Health Officer of the State, and Dr. E. Morris Miller, M.A., Litt. D Lecturer on Psychology and Philosophy at the University of Tasmania. Both of these gentlemen have made a study of the question of the care, control, and education of feeble-minded and mentally defective persons.

Your Committee finds that legislation similar to that contained in this Bill has been adopted in Great Britain and America, and is of opinion that our present legislation is entirely adequate in this regard, and that this Bill, should it become law, will meet a much needed want.

Your Committee finds that the main principles of the Bill have been based upon the British Act, and, therefore, confidently recommends it to the favourable consideration of your Honourable House.

W. H. LEE, Chairman.

House of Assembly,
28th September, 1920.”

This rare and original document is available in full and free from our documents tab HERE or clicking on the image above. Keep in mind that when the article refers to the Mental Diseases Hospital at New Norfolk it is referring to what we commonly now know as Willow Court or Royal Derwent Hospital.

One of the points on page 3 is an interesting read, here the Chief Health Officer’s Views are expressed:

“I thought the time was ripe at which to start the ball rolling towards educating the public in regard to this most important question. I was struck almost from the outset with the fact that the average man in the street does not distinguish between what is insanity and what is mental deficiency. He lumps them under one head, or he does not understand where the distinction lies. It may be well if I briefly describe to you the distinction we are working on. Both mental deficients and insane may be described as people without money ; but in one case a man has had a banking account and has become bankrupt; that is the insane person. The other one has not had a banking account at all; that is the mental deficient.
He starts off in life absolutely handicapped from birth. Whatever the cause of his mental deficiency, the one fact remains that he will never be able to come up to the standard we consider essential in the ordinary civilised state of existence. If he is of the lowest grade (an idiot), he is a nuisance until he is put in the hospital at New Norfolk-which, by the way, is only touching the very lowest type.”

Dr E. S. Morris,

Chief Health Officer of the State

This documents clearly stated how this Bill was designed to exclude people with Mental Health and or People with disabilities from their community and family of origin. It also has a clear intent to join the eugenics movement,

“The result of that is the man in a great many cases becomes a vagrant, a careless member of society; and the woman, in many cases, becomes likewise a vagrant, but worst of all, many of them of the lower grade become prostitutes, and people of that sort and all of them tend to propagate their own species.”

“While Nature plays an important part in eliminating the defect yet we cannot eliminate the possibility  of propagation in the insane, but we can get these at the stage of mental deficients. By stopping them at that stage you are going to save two generations work on the part of Nature.”

This is the language of the time and the thoughts of the time. The report clearly has an opinion of stopping people from propagating as undesirables who will create more undesirables. This was to be done by housing them at New Norfolk.

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