THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF AUSTRALIA’S SECOND LUNATIC ASYLUM IN LIVERPOOL AND ITS LEGACY FOR MODERN MENTAL HEALTHCARE

Modern society is in ‘mental health crisis’. And mental healthcare systems around the world struggle to effectively support those most in need. What can Australia’s colonial history offer in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our times?

Madness Then and Now explores just that — resurrecting the long-neglected history of Australia’s second lunatic asylum, which operated in Liverpool in NSW from 1826 to 1839. Raeburn and Chang bring back to life the untold stories of those who established, worked, lived in, and influenced the Asylum and the surrounding social, political, religious, and biomedical context of the time.

Assoc. Professor Toby Raeburn resides in Liverpool and Claire was born and raised in Liverpool. For Liverpool City Library, supporting and publishing this book was about promoting Liverpool local history and its place in the larger NSW story and just as importantly, supporting local historians, researchers and writers to publish and distribute their work.

This event is aimed at adults aged 18 years old and over.

Thursday 25 June
6pm - 7.30pm
Liverpool City Library (Yellamundie)

Light refreshments provided. 3 hours free parking available onsite — access carpark via Terminus Street.

Copies of the book are available for sale on the night for $22 (no cash, eftpos only).

Contact the host of Madness: Then & Now by Toby Raeburn & Claire Chang - In Conversation with Professor Catharine Coleborne