is returned to the community Callan PaRKtiMeline

CoStS and ConCeRnS:

In 1988, Friends of Callan Park presi-
dent Hall Greenland “got a leak” that
the State Government was planning
to sell land at Callan Park.
Since then, Mr Greenland, along
with a dedicated band of locals that
make up the group Friends of Callan
Park, has been waving placards, dis-
tributing leaflets and hosting dem-
onstrations to save the park.
But with the excitement of last
month’s decision comes a sense of
apprehension, as council begins to
count the costs of maintaining and
operating the site.
With its neglected and run-down
buildings, large sporting fields
and extensive gardens, it won’t be
cheap.
A council report has already
provided a preliminary estimate of
FutuRe PoSSiBilitieS:
Ideas for the park include a city farm,
a sustainable living centre, sporting
fields and mental health facilities.
With so many community groups
and organisations vying for a place at
Callan Park, council has proposed a
in october 2006, more than 400 people marched on darling Street, including the late
leichhardt mayor issy Wyner, in an effort to save Rozelle Hospital from closure.
maintenance alone, stating it will
cost the community $5 million per
annum.
Cr Parker said the State
Government had to commit to the
consultation plan, calling for expres-
sions of interest and feedback.
At the November 3 meeting on
Callan Park one resident warned,
“We have to be careful that we don’t
love Callan Park to death.
“Because if we are not careful we
will have thousands of people there
long term funding of the site and to
pay for capital upgrades to existing
buildings and playing fields.
Council is yet to hear from Ms
Firth about funding for the site.
and I don’t think that will be very
good for the park,” she said.
The Village Voice wants to hear
what your visions are for Callan
Park.
Call the Village Voice on 9018
3544 or email your suggestions to
editor@villagevoice.com.au
• 1890
Overcrowding continues to plague
the hospital, with 1078 patients
recorded. However Callan Park
remains one of the finest institutions
for mental health care in the Colony.
It is the first to be purpose-designed
as a therapeutic and curative
environment and is renowned for its
homelike comforts, pleasure gardens
beautiful buildings, benevolent
medical staff. Visitors are
encouraged and patients are allowed
freedom, exercise and amusement.
• 1961
Callan Park’s founding principles
have fallen by the wayside, as
a Royal Commission of Inquiry
investigates charges of patient
neglect. Overcrowding is among
the reasons hampering proper
administration and therapy.
• 1976
Rozelle Hospital is established from
the amalgamation of Broughton Hall
Psychiatric Clinic with Callan Park
Hospital.

• 1996
Hall Greenland, Verity Firth, Rochelle The Kirkbride buildings are no
President State Member Porteous, longer used for patient care as
Friends of for Balmain Greens Councillor the last remaining patients are
Callan Park “It’s definite “I’m very aware transferred to other accommodation
“Callan Park is a that the hundred of the fact on the Rozelle campus. The
special site, it’s a rehabilitation that this State Kirkbride complex is occupied by the
special place, it’s beds on site will Government is Sydney College of the Arts.
kind of one of the remain but in very good at press
undiscovered gems of Sydney.” terms of acute mental care releases and very bad at • 2008
– that’s a different question.” following through.” Rozelle Hospital closes.

Jann Mehmet
drawing,
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by
Fertility Leah Buhajiar
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Health Sally Gole
Bernice Lowe
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Village Voice Balmain November 5