

There Was Once an Asylum

This site not only provides an overview of mental health history and its implications for Goodna, but also explores the complex relationship between memory and history.
There are stories we may never know, but this site uncovers the history, revealing the layers of understanding that underpin the present.
It is done in a way that honours the patients, clients, and the people.


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- Residence | Goodna Asylum
Residence 10 Built sometime between the 1890s-1910s, relocated c1958, c2000 The Residence is a small timber-framed and -clad house standing south of Anderson House. Originally built as a residence, it has been relocated twice within the complex (in 1958 it was removed from west of McDonnell House to north of the Medical Superintendent’s Residence, and from there in c2000 to its current location, which was previously the nurse's quarters location). Fabric relating to and after its 1958 move, including its location and setting, fence and yard, verandah enclosures above handrail height and front balustrade, kitchen and bathroom fit-outs, and stumps, is not of state-level cultural heritage significance. In 2020, it is vacant and highly intact. 24 August 1951 Click to view During the day Click to view At night Click to view Between the trees Click to view Night Rear Click to view Across from the pumphouse Click to view Black & white Click to view Colour of the rear Click to view With old women's Click to view
- Virtual Map | Goodna Asylum
What it looks like today videos
- Well | Goodna Asylum
Well The Well is located approximately 140m east of the Administration Building and is highly intact at the location of the Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit section. Constructed of brick and sandstone, the underground dome well has a narrow circular opening at ground level and is approximately 6m in diameter at depth. The well is concealed by a concrete slab and a metal access panel, neither of which is of state-level cultural heritage significance. Features of the Well of cultural heritage significance also include: Form, scale, and materials: circular-shaped underground dome form; narrow circular dressed sandstone opening at ground level; interior brick walls with evidence of whitewash finish Terracotta pipes feeding into/out of the well interior
- Lewis House, McDonnell & Noble House | Goodna Asylum
Lewis, McDonnell, Noble Houses Built-in 1915 Lewis House (Male 9/10), McDonnell House (Male 11), and Noble House (Male 12/13) are three similar buildings. These buildings were part of a major expansion of the male section in the 1910s. In 1911, the Department of Works, closely advised by Ellerton, prepared plans for two identical blocks. Construction commenced on both buildings in 1912, but they were not completed until 1915. The block was oriented with the main elevation facing the cricket ground. The exterior was of exposed red brick to the first floor level and rough cast render with light coloured ochre finish above. The planning of each floor was similar with two large dormitories opening to verandahs, a central dining room with a bay window, and a scullery and bathroom at the rear. Each floor accommodated 60 patients. The dormitory wards were designed, according to Ellerton, to be 'light, airy, cheerful'. The area in front of the building was laid out with flower beds, lawn and gravel paths. Unlike the older wards, the gardens were not surrounded by high fences but low timber railings to reduce the sense of confinement. In 2020, they are vacant and had most of the later fabric removed, along with most internal fittings and finishes. These building was heritage-listed in 1992. The Queensland Police Service currently owns the building, and it is not in use. Naming Lewis House is named after Sir Aubrey Julian Lewis, an Australian. He was the first Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry, London, at the famous Maudsley Institute of London. McDonnell House is named after Dr McDonnell, who was an official visitor to the hospital and was a dignified and impressive member of the medical profession. Noble House is named after Dr Henry Winston Noble, who was the Minister for Health and also worked in psychiatry. Lewis House Chronology 1915: Building construction was completed 1944: alterations for a cafeteria 1945: renovations to showers 1963: substantial remodelling 1973: remodelling of wards 1973: a two-storeyed attached laundry building constructed McDonnell House Chronology 1915: Building construction was completed 1944: alterations for a cafeteria 1965: new staff room 1971: major renovations including alterations to stairwells, a new toilet block, steel windows introduced, large wards subdivided, and a new concrete tiled roof. Noble House Chronology 1915: Building construction was completed 1945: alterations to showers 1968: major renovations, including alterations, including a new tile roof and windows, demolition of attached toilet block, demolition of bay windows, new fire escape, subdivision of large wards, single rooms converted to bathrooms 1970: new laundry 1992: conversion of the upper level for staff training 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view McDonnell House 1914 plan Click to view Lewis House, Ward 14 for violent patients' Architectural plans 1928 Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view 1911 2 new male wards planned Click to view
- Gladstone, Jenner & Kelsey House | Goodna Asylum
Gladstone House, Jenner House, & Kelsey House All were built in 1936 Gladstone House (Ward 6), Jenner House (Ward 7), and Kelsey House (Ward 8) are three highly intact single-storey brick buildings with an unusual "crab" design and replaced earlier timber wards that were considered fire hazards and difficult to keep clean. The drawings were prepared by EA Godfrey. Construction commenced in August 1934 and was completed the following year, and was officially opened on 20 February by Sir Leslie Wilson. As part of the ceremony, the Director General of Health and Medical Services, Raphael Cilento, paid tribute to Superintendent Dr Ellerton, declaring these wards were "his prime". All three wards had large central dining rooms with single rooms with a large dormitory. Kelsey was slightly different in its planning to the other two wards in regards to its dormitories. In 2020, they are vacant and had most of the later fabric removed. Gladstone House is named after the famous parliamentarian William Ewart Gladstone. Jenner House is named after the famous physician Edward Jenner, who pioneered the concept of vaccines and created the smallpox vaccine, and discovered the value of inoculation with cow pox as a preventative measure against smallpox. Kelsey House is named after well-loved matron Elsie Kelsey, who worked at the hospital from 1925 and became assistant matron in 1941. She retired in 1967 Gladstone House Chronology 1936: Building construction was completed 1966: alterations for bathrooms 1973: fire sprinkler system installed 1980: renovations to bathrooms, roof lantern enclosed with new ceilings Jenner House Chronology 1936: Building construction was completed 1973: fire sprinkler system installed 1980: renovations to bathrooms Jenner House Chronology 1936: Building construction was completed 1981: remodelling and upgrading of bathrooms 1984: upgrading of bathrooms 1934 Plan Click to view opening of the three houses its believed that this is Gladstone House in the picture Click to view Sir Leslie Wilson opening the wards Click to view 1936 interior Click to view Kelsey House Click to view Jenner House Click to view Gladston House Click to view Gladstone side Click to view Jenner front Click to view Former gates that gave access the three houses Click to view Former gates that gave access the three houses Click to view Former gate buzzer that gave access the three houses Click to view Gladstone house street sign Click to view Gladstone house street sign Click to view Click to view All three house are exactly the same Click to view All three house are exactly the same Click to view All three house are exactly the same Click to view All three house are exactly the same Click to view All three house are exactly the same Click to view Gladstone house Click to view Jenner House Click to view Jenner House Click to view Jenner House Click to view Kelsey House Click to view
- Morgue | Goodna Asylum
Morgue Built in 1902 The morgue is a low-set brick building situated below the power house. It was erected in 1902 and replaced an earlier building damaged in the 1893 floods. The new morgue comprised a small operating room, a waiting/viewing room, and a hearse shed. Additions were made in 1952 to increase the capacity of the morgue and upgrade the equipment, retaining its functional mortuary layout and fixtures such as its autopsy, scrub and change rooms at its northeast end, waiting and viewing rooms at its southwest end, a central coffin store and refrigerator room with a loading area. In 2020, the building is vacant and is highly intact. Chronology: 1902: construction 1952: additions - autopsy room, coffin store and refrigerator Front of Morgue Click to view Front of Morgue Click to view Front of Morgue Click to view Front Vehicle Door Click to view Rear of Morgue Click to view Autopsy Room Click to view Refrigerator Body Storage Click to view
- Boyce Family Collection | Goodna Asylum
Boyce Family Collection Random selection of photos converted from slides taken by former Medical Superintendent Dr Clive Boyce. Click to view Click to view Click to view Click to view Click to view Click to view Click to view Click to view Click to view
- Chapels | Goodna Asylum
Chapel of Hope Chapel - The Resurrection, Chapel - St Dympna, Chapel - Christ the King Built-in 1961 The three chapels were erected in 1961 and were similar in design and construction. The Resurrection Chapel (WP 14 A) was erected for Protestant denominations; St Dympha (WP 14 B) for the Roman Catholic, and the Christ of King (WP 14 C) as the Anglican chapel. From an early period, clergy visited the institution to conduct religious services. These visits were encouraged and welcomed, but no special facilities were provided by the government. Services were held in whatever space was available, and when the recreation hall was built, it was regularly used for services conducted by visiting clergymen. In English asylums, chapels were considered a standard part of the infrastructure. No attempt was made, however, to build a chapel or chapels at the Goodna asylum. With the constant problem of overcrowding, the construction of additional ward accommodation was always a priority. A special building for religious services was a luxury. Moreover, in colonial Queensland, with no established church and a climate of denominationalism. Rivalry and sensitivity, it would not have been possible to build only one chapel. Clergy continued to visit the institution into the 1950s and conduct religious services until the appointment of three full-time chaplains in 1959 to the Brisbane Mental Hospital. To assist the work of the clergy in the conduct of services and in the counselling of patients, three chapels were erected in 1961. The Anglican Chapel was named the Chapel of Christ the King, the Catholic Church was named St Dymphna in honour of the Catholic Patron Saint of the mentally ill, and the third chapel, conducted by the Council of Churches was the Chapel of Hope {later renamed the Chapel of Resurrection). 66 The chapels were similar in design being simple box like structures with low pitched roofs and floor to ceiling windows on the two principal sides. The chapels were arranged in a semi-circle pattern. The Resurrection Chapel was severely damaged by fire in early 1995. Located at the eastern end of Cricket Lane is the Chapel of Hope. Built as a Christian chapel for patients, it is the sole survivor of three similar chapels of different Christian denominations, erected side by side (the Chapel of Hope was the westernmost). In 2020, it is currently used as an office building, and its exterior cladding was replaced. The building has been semi-integrated with a new building built on its western side. The interior was not inspected. A statue of Saint Dymphna (the Catholic patron saint of people with mental illness) stands approximately 35 metres east of the chapel, the corresponding chapel having been demolished. Chapel being built in 1961 Click to view Chapel being built in 1961 Click to view Chapel in 1962 Click to view Chapel in 1962 Click to view Chapels in 1995 Click to view Chapels in 1995 Click to view Chapel Commoration Cairn 2023 Click to view Statue of St Dymphna 2023 Click to view The Statue of Saint Dymphna amongst the stars Click to view Leadlight window depicting St Dymphna (installed in Laundry c2007) removed from the hospital’s demolished catholic chapel. Click to view 1962 Scale Model Click to view Chapels prior to demolishment Click to view Chapels prior to demolishment Click to view Chapels prior to demolishment Click to view Chapels prior to demolishment Click to view Chapel in 2023 now EFTRU & CSO office Click to view Chapel in 2023 now EFTRU & CSO office Click to view Chapel in 2023 now EFTRU & CSO office Click to view Chapel in 2023 now EFTRU & CSO office Click to view
- Female Recreation Area | Goodna Asylum
Female Patients' Recreation Area While male patients had spacious outdoor recreational amenities since at least 1895, most notably the cricket oval, no similar facilities existed for female patients. In keeping with gender stereotypes, the recreational opportunities provided for females were restricted to indoor 'domestic' type activities such as needlework. In 1946, Medical Superintendent Boyce proposed the construction of a special female recreation area. The rationale for such a facility was that it would provide 'a more congenial environment to assist patients towards recovery'. More pragmatically, an area where female patients could spend part of the day. Despite the completion of a new female block with accommodation for 60 residents, overcrowding was still a major problem. The need to fill almost every available space with beds, such as verandahs and corridors, resulted in an even more acute shortage of space for daytime activities. Only a limited number of patients could undertake needlework or work in the sewing rooms or laundry. The remainder were confined to sitting about in an extremely cramped environment. The Director of Mental Hygiene, Basil Stafford, endorsed the idea and, in March 1948, reported that the 'scarcity of a recreation area for a large number of female patients is a considerable handicap in the administration of this hospital'. An area of approximately 2.5 hectares on the western edge of the reserve, adjacent to the Brisbane River, was selected. Pm of the area occupied the site of the original male wards, and ironically, a portion comprised a low-lying area that was originally designated in the 1860s to be laid out as pleasure grounds. Construction of facilities and landscaping commenced in 1951. The principal building within the area was the cafeteria with facilities to serve 500 patients. This building enabled patients to spend much of the day in the area without the need for returning to the ward for midday meals. The building was also used for occupational therapy. Other buildings included a sewing room, storage sheds and viewing shelters. A tennis court and bowling green were constructed, and the lower area levelled to form a large playing field. A landscaping scheme was devised by M Rose, the Acting Superintendent of Institutional Gardens. Existing trees (including several dating back to the 1860s) and shrubs were incorporated into a scheme that included native species such as silver wattles, Brisbane Golden Wattle, and Bauhinias, as well as exotics like Jacaranda and Poinciana regia. A row of palms was planted adjacent to the six-foot-high wire fence along the lower playing field. The grounds were developed by the staff and inmate labour. The Female Patients Recreation Area comprises buildings (a Cafeteria, Bowling Green, Change Room and Stores Shed) laid out along a curved ridge that forms a natural amphitheatre around former playing fields on the lower terrace at the edge of the Brisbane River. A further building (Packing Shed and Patients Shelter) stands southwest of the others. It overlooks the south-sloping ground, historically used for vegetable cultivation. Developed on the site of the former Simpson Residence (1843-44) and the subsequent Early Asylum Site (former Woogaroo Insane Asylum, established 1865, demolished 1890-93 floods), the area now forms part of the Wolston Park Golf Club course (1970s), which contributes to the spacious open grounds and landscape setting of the hospital complex. The work on the buildings and grounds was completed by 1954 and immediately utilised daily. In his Annual Report for 1955, Medical Superintendent Boyce reported the success of the female recreation area and, in particular, the cafeteria. By 1957, more than 200 patients were regularly using the facilities. They enjoyed 'the picnic atmosphere' of the grounds, where they were served a midday meal, and participated in a variety of sports and handcrafts in the occupational therapy centre. The area to the rear of the Riverside ballroom was farmed until at least the 1950s. 24 June 1961 Click to view Croquet being played by a nurse in the late 1950s. Click to view Bowling Green in the 1950s Click to view Bowling Green & Croquet areas in the 1955 Click to view 1987 aerial overhead Click to view Looking across Woogaroo Creek from Brisbane Terrace towards the now Golf Club and former asylum site were once this land was farming. Click to view Former bowling green Click to view Former sports field Click to view A former patient's chair remains at the former recreation area today Click to view The Visual Connection Click to view
