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Riverbank & Nyunda Park Area

This area comprises a mix of open and enclosed bushland, a dam, picnic facilities adjacent to the dam and was the location of the former John Oxley Centre. It has remained substantially undeveloped throughout the history of the institution and was prominent in the outlook of the female wards. This area is an important component of the landscape character of the site, and contrasts with the more open and developed golf course area. This area also contains two former sandstone quarry sites, which were worked by Joshua Jeays. Stone from these quarries was used in a number of buildings in Brisbane and Ipswich, the most notable example being Parliament House. It was also the source for the stone used in the female no 1 ward and later in kerbing for the driveways. One site is adjacent to the riverbank and has evidence of workings remaining, while the other site is partially submerged by the dam.​

Former Sandstone Quarry and Track (1860s)

The area west of Explorer’s Walk contains a series of quarry workings where stone was extracted from outcrops along the sandstone ridge. This quarry was one of the first sandstone quarries developed in Queensland. It was owned by Joshua Jeays, and sandstone from the quarry was used in the construction of Parliament House in 1864. The quarry is regarded as significant as one of the first sandstone quarries in Queensland. There are two main workings (north and south) and other smaller workings

scattered around the centre of this area.  The workings are evidenced by worked faces (vertical) and benched areas (horizontal). They are accessed by a track along which stone was transported to a jetty on the river, approximately 600m to the north.  A second track diverts southeast to access the main hospital complex. ​ Northern workings, comprising a group of four faces and benches that step down towards the river; the largest face (closest to the river) is approximately 80m in length. Southern workings, comprising a single face and bench approximately 50m in length. Smaller workings, comprising a collection of worked faces scattered throughout the centre of the area. Early tracks, including route, clearing and formation. Stone jetty remnants along the riverbank (not sighted in 2020),  timber bridge remnants, located along the track approximately 60m southeast of the jetty remnants (not sighted in 2020).

 

Hospital Dump Sites

The Hospital Dump Sites comprise a series of medium- to high-density artefact scatters located adjacent to a modern powerline easement north of the former Quarry Workings.  The scatters contain discarded material associated with the hospital and farm complex, with some evidence that it has been deposited systematically, grouped by type.  The largest scatter contains a concentration of glass, ceramic, and metal kitchenware and tableware, including large and small fragments of white-glazed earthenware and stoneware jugs, cups, and other vessels; white-enamelled metal jugs and pans; and assorted metal containers and utensils. Other scatters contain collections of metal milk cans, water tanks, bed frames, wire fencing and electrical equipment.


  • ANNOUNCEMENTS
​​
Review into Wolston Park Hospital Complete

Final report

The final report of the Review was released on 19 December 2025.

Please be aware that the report includes descriptions of alleged physical and sexual violence and human rights abuses as told by the participants who spoke to the Review. It is acknowledged that the content may be distressing.

The reporting of this content is not an indictment or conclusion that the events occurred as described or that there is liability to be found in the actions. Instead, it presents accounts from individuals who lived at, were treated at, or had family members or loved ones at Wolston Park Hospital during the review period.

Please get in touch with DG_Correspondence@health.qld.gov.au with any enquiries about the Review.

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Crisis contacts

In an emergency, call 000 or visit your local hospital's emergency department.

1300 MH CALL - 1300 642 255

1300 MH CALL is a confidential mental health telephone triage service that provides the initial point of contact for Queenslanders seeking public mental health services.

24/7 crisis services

Lifeline 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

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13 YARN - 13 92 76 - for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Arafmi – 1300 554 660

Blue Knot Foundation – 1300 657 380 

For people living with the impacts of institutional childhood abuse in Queensland, please consider contacting Lotus Support Services, Micah Projects on (07) 3347 8500 to access support, resources and community. 

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