Mayday Hills hospital a story to be told

A Friends of the Burke Museum fundraiser ‘Heyday of Mayday’ is set to have fascinating talks about Beechworth Mental Hospital’s history and its impact on the Beechworth community over time delivered by three guest speakers. Its wider influence on the world of mental health will also be a discussion topic at the event to be held on Saturday, 30 August at Mayday Hills. A former social worker at the complex Sandra Davidson will focus on the facility’s impact on the community from the time the mental health hospital commenced its operation. Ms Davidson will be joined by Max Wellstead, a psychiatrist, as well as Beechworth’s Michael Evans. Mr Evans was manager of psychiatric services in what was then called the Department of Human Services in the Hume region, with an office at Mayday Hills for the last couple of years. Mr Evans was part of the Mayday Hills windup, with his job to hand the facility over to hospital management. “We're going to talk about the history of Beechworth and the gold rush and why the mental health hospital was established,” Ms Davidson said. “When the gold ran out, Beechworth was in trouble with unemployment, lack of money and people with mental illness were wandering the streets and sent to the prison. “This was not only happening in Beechworth, but also a worldwide trend for people with mental health illnesses being incarcerated. “The government of the day decided to build asylums with one in Beechworth. “It changed the whole economic status of the town with people such as builders and tradesmen coming to Beechworth and paid by the government. “Money flowed into the town because of the mental hospital and continued until its closure as people were drawn to work there.” With the hospital a main employer and a big influence on the town, Ms Davidson said she had been one of many people attracted to live in Beechworth for a career. Friends of the Burke Museum president Daniel Goonan said the Beechworth Mental Hospital (formerly known as the Beechworth Mental Asylum) is a story to be told. "It’s an important one with its contribution to reformed mental health practices as well as its economic significance of employment in improving life for Beechworth residents as well," he said. Mr Goonan said the mental health hospital had played a critical role in Beechworth’s history from colonial days. "The government initiative to establish the mental health hospital as well as the HM Prison Beechworth (Old Beechworth Gaol) and Ovens Benevolent Asylum (then becoming the Ovens and Murray Hospital for the Aged) as major employers had stopped Beechworth from becoming a ghost town," he said. Mr Goonan said tickets to the event with a seating capacity limited to 60 people are selling well. Friends of the Burke Museum has joined forces with Mayday Hills Society for the ‘Heyday of Mayday’ event supported by Bendigo Bank. The event is part of the Friends’ ongoing fundraising efforts for the museum to help with maintenance. Cost for members is $30 and for non-members is $40 with afternoon tea and beverages included. Bookings are essential with RSVPs needed by 25 August to the Burke Museum on 03 57288067 or by email at or friendsburkemuseum@gmail.com.

Mayday Hills hospital a story to be told

A Lions share of awards for volunteers on Australia Day

Young citizen of the year award presented to Amy Schilling

Fundraiser success for Atauro Island Friendship group

Indigo's finest: Australia Day celebrated with awards

Chiltern resident overwhelmed with award

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories