Well another year comes to an end and this year has seen some progress both at the Willow Court Site and on this website. At Willow Court we know that stage one of the conservation has been completed and the Derwent Valley Council have now reconsidered the Community House idea for Willow Court and are now pursuing a more tourist focused plan. The site closed for conservation in 2012 and remains closed three years later, by comparison the Mona Site was built and opened to the public in a shorter space of time.
(c) 2015 Heritage Week Display officially opened by the Governor of Tasmania.
The Friends of Willow Court are to present to the Derwent Valley Council their plans for professional thematic tours early next year. We have seen part restoration of the wall this year, displays of the juncture of Willow Court and world conflict, a play by the Derwent Valley Players at Frascati House and the Prime Minister of Australia visit the soon to be listed Heritage site. We have also seen the very real support from Eric Hutchinson MP who has actively pursued the interests of Willow Court in Canberra.
(c) 2015 Professional display presented at Willow Court by the Friends of Willow Court.
On the not so positive side we still can’t arrange tours despite the countless inquiries by individuals and groups. We have also heard of several different councillors who all have their own agendas for the site.
(c) 2015 Group of visitors can’t access the site.
The website has had a big facelift this year and has become more accessible for our diverse community, thanks to the input and skills of Joshua Krause IT and Michelle Eastwood for her transcribing services of our audio podcasts.
I would also like to thank Anthony Nicholson OAM: Consultant Historian and Ex-Employee Willow Court Admin and Anne McKinstray: Advisor and Ex-Employee Willow Court Centre for their input and advice.
The new website also makes reviewing the year easier by having the years news and other years down the right side of the webpage. Click the month to the right and see for yourself.
(c) 2015 Supporter Eric Hutchinson is a voice in Canberra.
From the Team at Willow Court History Group we thank you for your interest, participation and ongoing support to see Willow Court became the Historic Centre in New Norfolk that tourists want to visit and respect.
Happy New Year.
Mark Krause