Hear about the work of Dr Frederic Norton Manning, who travelled to Australia, conducted an international tour of psychiatric institutions and was appointed Medical Superintendent at Gladesville Hospital, all before the age of 30. Learn about his influence on psychiatric care in the late 19th Century and his role in the development of Callan Park. Also hear the amazing history of the first 44 patients who were transferred from overcrowded Gladesville Hospital to Callan Park in 1876 and watched as the asylum was carved out of the stone and built before them. Who were these men? What was their routine?
When: Sunday 11 September 2016, 2:00-4:30pm
Where: NSW Writers’ Centre, Callan Park (enter at Cecily Street gates), Rozelle
Cost: $20, Children under 15 Free – Book Online.
Contact: focp.admin@gmail.com or 0413 733 219
Presented by Friends of Callan Park.
Image: Kirkbride at Callan Park, 2009, courtesy Ian Hofstetter.
This event is part of
History Week: Neighbours
3-11 September 2016
Presented by the History Council of NSW
#HistoryWeek16 | www.historyweek.com.au
I have a deep and unyielding love for Callan Park and its history – I trained in Psychiatric Nursing there, as did my husband and his father before him. Much maligned (sometimes deservedly, sometimes not so much) Callan Park must have its place preserved in history not only as a treatment facility for mental illness but as a standing reminder of the social struggles of colonial and modern Australia to service its needy and seriously ill. I have powerful memories of some of the stories of patients post 1960’s Royal Commission and a deep reverence for the patients and staff of those years. I look forward to hearing more of Norton Manning’s history and of those 44 patients whose history I am sure serve to tell us a great deal about not only the treatment of mental illness but the social life of the times.
Hi Liz, thank you for your comment and sharing some of your thoughts and memories of Callan Park. The History Council also believes that it should have its place preserved in history. Let us know how you enjoyed the event. Best wishes, Amy.
Hi,
My Uncle was an in-patient at Callan Park & holds a lot of memories for our family.
Is it possible to walk around the grounds & buildings now?
Kind regards
Yes the grounds are open to the public Susan. They are owned and operated by the NSW State Government. Here is a link to further information: https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/parks-sport-and-recreation/parks-and-playgrounds/parks-by-suburb/rozelle-parks/callan-park