SHARING THE JOURNEY

CATE PATTISON RICHMOND WELLBEING 1975-2015

Sharing the Journey tells the story of the Richmond Fellowship, now Richmond Wellbeing, in Western Australia from 1975 to 2015. Focussing on recovery within a therapeutic environment, the Richmond Fellowship have walked alongside people experiencing mental distress in Perth for forty years. In the last decade, it has also become a progressive thought leader and advocate for consumer-centered mental health recovery. This history is told against the backdrop of developments in social sentiment and public policies around mental health over this time. CATE PATTISON

ISBN 978-0-9944289-0-5 THE STORY OF THE RICHMOND FELLOWSHIP OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA, NOW RICHMOND WELLBEING 1975-2015

9 780994 428905 Sharing the Journey

The story of the Richmond Fellowship, now Richmond Wellbeing, in Western Australia.

1975 - 2015

CATE PATTISON The issue for mental health is that it is complex. It really overlaps with well-being. Everyone has their own mental health.”

Dr Nathan Gibson First published in 2015 by Richmond Wellbeing 29 Manning Road, Cannington, Western Australia, 6107 Schizophrenia is a medical term This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose ... it’s not anything to do with the of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process symptoms that the person, mind without written permission. Enquiries should be made to the publisher. and body have to deal with.” Copyright © Richmond Wellbeing

Pattison, Cate, author. Keith Wilson Sharing the Journey : The Story of the Richmond Fellowship of Western Australia, now Richmond Wellbeing, 1975-2015 / by Cate Pattison. 9780994428905 (paperback) I suppose most of all, it’s a Includes bibliographical references and index. belief in the possibilities of the Subject suggestions: people Richmond Wellbeing Richmond Wellbeing Mental Health Services - Western Australia - History serve. That it’s not ‘looking after Produced by Flametree Creative, Perth poor unfortunates’. It’s actually Designed by Flametree Creative, Perth giving people an opportunity to While the author has exercised every care to present accurate data throughout the content of this book, no responsibility is implied or grow and develop and become accepted for any inaccuracies which may occur through verbatim reproduction of quotations, either verbal or written, of contributions the people they can be.” to this publication. Every effort has been made to obtain permission to publish copyright material; if for any reason a request has not been received, the copyright holder should contact the publisher. Dr Rachel Perkins OBE

3 Foreword

Thus in 1959 Lancaster Lodge in Richmond, daughter) of the support needed for the Surrey, became the first establishment to pioneer establishment of a Richmond Fellowship Charity. a therapeutic community outside the mental From that point onwards the warmth of hospital. Within a year of its launch – such was Foreword Perth and its people enveloped us. Invaluable the reception from the public and the Psychiatric hospitality and support was received, especially profession at the time – the local government from Bill and Jan Couche who, some 25 years offered a grant for a second unit and, within later, renewed their hospitality for our second THE BIRTH AND UPBRINGING OF a few years, the Richmond Fellowship was daughter, being her a ‘home away from home’ training staff, setting up similar communities in THE RICHMOND FELLOWSHIP IN and enabled her (despite her low confidence) many parts of the UK, and receiving invitations to explore Australia, and meet with my old friend to establish its work and trademark in other WESTERN AUSTRALIA. Elisabeth Tow in Sydney, and Shirley Smith and countries. The outcome was a tour providing others in Perth. Amongst those who gave us lectures to the American Schools of Psychiatry, invaluable advice and support was John Casson; and the establishment of a number of projects generous, supportive and loyal – the kind of in the USA and invitations from Australia, New person you never forget. Then there was David Zealand and other countries to establish the RF Shearer and later George Smith, who did a lot in their state or country. for the cause, but forbade me to bring a bottle of use the word upbringing instead of ward were enabled to meet, so share information In 1973 a round-the-world tour was arranged wine to his home! These are some of the many development, as I know how much time, about themselves and discuss the hospital regime I for my whole family: my husband George, our two individuals – too many to mention – who gave thought, hard labour and soul searching has gone and, at times, to assume responsibility for some children Natasha and Anna Marie, and myself. encouragement and contributed to the thinking into the development, maintenance, problem- aspects of their common life. The response We started work visiting the East Coast homes we and resource-spotting, enabling firm foundations solving and safe guarding of the mission in of staff was then required to be on a similar had established in the USA, then went to the West for the RF work to be laid. Western Australia. egalitarian basis, placing value on each person Coast to undertake a short appeals campaign. and contribution, and changing ward practices as Of course there was – as usual – a frantic In the 1950s in the UK and somewhat later in Having taken a long overdue week’s holiday in far as was considered sensible and acceptable to amount to achieve in a very limited period. the USA and Australia, governments woke up Honolulu and Fiji, we travelled to New Zealand the overall regime. Obtaining firm undertakings of support from to the fact that some mental hospital patients to start laying the seeds for the RF projects in representatives of the various key institutions responded positively to more humane treatment The emergence of this innovative thinking Australasia. From a hectic few days’ work in (Government, the University, the Council of and new medications, and that the tradition of and practice chimed in with my own experience. the North and South Islands, Brisbane, NSW, Churches, the Superintendent of the mental ‘warehousing’ was attracting public scrutiny and, For a period of two years I had worked at Melbourne, travelling en route through Adelaide, hospital and the press). Not to mention at times, public attack. However, the only new the Amsterdam Paedologisch Institute with (where my husband’s grandfather had established individuals with the interest and ability to help (and rarely used) solution from the voluntary/ a group of adolescent boys, on the basis of the Bank of Adelaide), we finally arrived in Perth. in the realisation of the mission, and from whom private sector in Australia was to place patients in maximum democracy with shared planning and On arrival, we found that the person Board members might be recruited, possessing boarding houses, which in themselves were often responsibilities – a regime which produced very responsible for arranging our Australian time-table that essential combination of insight, good dispiriting. In the UK, the government approach positive results for the boys in terms of maturation, had omitted the send the details of our arrival to sense, genuine passion, vigour and loyalty. The was to create multiple mini-institutions, staffed happiness, self-confidence and aspirations to our host, the Anglican Archbishop; hence, we ability to contribute funds or to raise them would by hospital nurses, so that the basic necessities be considered trustworthy and responsible. were exiled to a small unwelcoming hotel, a few not constitute an impediment! could be provided whilst continuing to exercise Subsequently, whilst studying for a B.D. in the hundred yards away. The following morning we supervision and control, and whilst preserving the UK, I had been following the debates on the In contrast to a number of other embryo went to pay our compliments to the Archbishop. status quo with regard to authoritarian attitudes. Mental Health Bill in the Houses of Parliament, Affiliates, the Perth Committee took the ‘bull by On approaching him, our three year old daughter, and decided that the only way of convincing the horns’ and, displaying commitment and the However, in a few hospitals in the UK - pointing to his protruding stomach, exclaimed, the powers that be was to set up a pilot scheme ability to grasp the concepts of the Therapeutic especially the Henderson and the Cassel, the “My my – you have a tummy“, and on entering the in the wider community. Such a project would Community, they utilised their creativity and ideas put forward by the psychoanalyst W.R. Bion rather neat and impersonal drawing room said, need to deploy the principles of democracy wisdom to establish within a few years a and others were beginning to be put to the test. “you can’t have many friends!” We left his Grace and of respect for each person, whatever their specifically impressive healing ‘asylum’. Sally For example, the occupants of a mental health not long after, assured (despite our outspoken presenting problems. Sinclair, who had trained and worked in the

4 5 Sharing the Journey

UKRF, and Michael Rowdon who was selected to whilst expecting full commitment. In general, my train in the UK for work in Perth were (I believe) experience has been that I must not put a foot the first practitioners – and it was Michael who wrong – yet in Perth, I found I was able to make nearly killed me in 1977 by setting up a 24/7 mistakes, to admit hardship and stress, and to Acknowledgements schedule of TV and professional engagements! acknowledge the suffering that goes with the negative projections so often directed at those Many people say that the acceptance in in leadership roles. No Board should ignore many countries of the Richmond Fellowship’s his project has been made possible In order to avoid producing a doorstop the need to support the ‘high trees which catch is a miracle, and suggest that I should be very with the valued support of Lotterywest. however, I’ve not included the myriad of much wind’ (Dutch proverb). T satisfied. I do not quite agree. It is clear that the notes that could have been made about Sincere thanks to all those who dug Governments and the public and the ‘inmates’ Thousands of individuals in WA who had given the committed and passionate members deep into their memories to recapture especially, were in need of solutions to the up hope have been enabled, through the work (listed in Appendix Two) who have given the story of Richmond Wellbeing: Ron morally unacceptable hospital treatment of the of the RF, to return to a purposeful and fulfilling their time and expertise to steer the Coleman and Karen Taylor, Dr Rachel mentally ill. Of all times, the 1960s and 1970s life. Many, many people have been saved from organisation so wisely. Perkins OBE, Gregor Henderson, Dr were THE time for widespread acceptance of despair and suicide, and have been liberated Geoff Gallop AC, Eddie Bartnik, Dr My work was greatly assisted by the the Therapeutic Community concept, with all the from the shackles of mental and emotional Nathan Gibson, Dr Gordon Shymko, previous interviews and meticulous principles and practice involved – particularly distress. So I ask you now: continue to cultivate Keith Wilson, Dr Geoff Smith, Dr Maria research carried out by Carol Reid, those of equality and respect. the values which have guided you, and give Harries, Archbishop-Emeritus Barry Cindy Gorton and Lyn Willox. Carol’s hope to more people – maybe including those At present new developing countries are Hickey, Jan Stewart, Jacquie Thomson, early draft detailed invaluable primary in a new country. And above all, allow me to use asking for help in building mental health services Sheryl Carmody, Shauna Gaebler, Brian research, and Cindy’s interviews this opportunity to convey to the Board, staff, from scratch – but who will now give that help, Wooller, Tony Fowke, John Casson captured many unique memories. residents and friends of Richmond Fellowship and produce the funds and the energy? We in AM, Eric Baines, Diana Warnock AM, Dr Philippa Martyr’s unpublished yet WA, now Richmond Wellbeing, a heartfelt the UK have barely the funds to survive and I am David Shearer, Denise Bayliss, Charlene exhaustive analysis of early mental THANK YOU! too old to take on new projects. How about Perth Fernandez, Warwick Smith, Peter health services in Western Australia adopting a project – for example Bangladesh? Lammas, Shirley and Chris Smith, Chris was also a rich and insightful source. Coopes, Carol Reid, Lyn Willox, Trish Bringing the text to life with creative What else can I say about Perth? From its Elly Jansen, 2015. Ryans-Taylor, Lyn Mahboub, Marlene images has been possible due to the history, and with Joe as CEO, one can deduce Janson and Donna Murray. work of talented photographer Yuhki that RF – now Richmond Wellbeing, will flourish. Murayama, and thanks also to Kim The Board has obviously nourished its staff Acknowledgement must also be made Ould and others for their pedantic here to the large number of people proofreading. who have served on the Management Committee and Boards over the last forty I must also thank my family, friends years, many with a personal or family and new colleagues in the world of experience of mental illness. In particular, mental health services, who have Lyn Willox, who joined the Board in showed faith in my ability to write a 2001 as a carer representative and took book on a topic about which I had little over as Chair from 2006-2012, provided prior knowledge. It has been my own valued support to management through fascinating and enlightening journey. times of intense change and growth.

Cate Pattison, 2015

7 STATEMENT FROM THE COMMISSIONER MENTAL HEALTH ON THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF RICHMOND FELLOWSHIP OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Our ref: 43-17385 This year marks the 40th year the Richmond Fellowship of Western Australia Inc (RFWA) has been providing valued support services to people with mental illness in Western Australia. In that time RFWA Mr Joe Calleja has grown into one of the largest non government organisations in the mental health sector in the State, Chief Executive Officer with more than 200 staff and almost $15 million in operating income in 2013/14. Richmond Wellbeing 29 Manning Road When RFWA was established in 1975, mental health services in Western Australia were, from a clinical CANNINGTON WA 6107 perspective, almost entirely hospital based. Since then the level of community-based service support has grown considerably. Dear Joe

The State Government’s draft Western Australian Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan Congratulations to Richmond Wellbeing on achieving 40 years of invaluable community-based service 2015 2025 (the Plan) is continuing the momentum towards consumers and their families having access for people with mental illness in Western Australia. to personalised, modern and high quality services that are close to their homes. I recall when I worked as an occupational therapist in the 1970s with mental health patients at Royal RFWA has been a major player in providing mental health recovery support in communities, and Perth Hospital, I knew with confidence that if I could get my patients into a Richmond Wellbeing support in offering extensive educational programs that focus mental health recovery on a ‘whole-of-life’ service they would have the very best chance of recovery and return to independent living within the perspective, encompassing everyday living such as housing, employment, family and other community. relationships. Mental health recovery is now recognised as a deeply personal journey to rebuild one’s life, and realise goals and dreams. It is a journey of regaining control over one’s life. Richmond Wellbeing’s focus on helping people with mental health issues to get back on track and return to the community as quickly and effectively as possible is one which has helped thousands of Agencies like RFWA have played a key role in the move towards more community-based and Western Australians to return to, or create, a meaningful and productive life. personalised mental health support services. RFWA’s valuable contribution has been recognised through a strong level of State Government funding, over many years, which currently amounts to Richmond’s leadership on recovery, hearing voices, consumer and carer co-production and around $10 million per annum. community-based support for people who had previously been institutionalised has significantly influenced the sector-wide culture of mental health in WA, and the direction of service development and On behalf of all the staff at the Mental Health Commission, I congratulate the Board and staff of RFWA investment. on achieving this 40th anniversary and on the dedication, energy and initiative you have shown over many years to develop your agency into a major provider of community-based support services for A lot may have changed in 40 years, however the one constant is that Richmond Wellbeing has people with mental illness in Western Australia. remained at the forefront of mental health reform and as a result is one of the most respected and successful mental health service providers in our State.

Timothy Marney COMMISSIONER Helen Morton Minister for Mental Health 4 June 2015

8 9 Contents

Introducing the Richmond Fellowship...... 12

Chapter 1 Previously...... 16

Chapter 2 The Get Go (1973-1975)...... 30

Chapter 3 Early Days (1976-1980)...... 40

Chapter 4 Getting On With The Job (1980-1990)...... 48

Chapter 5 Staying Alive (1990-2005)...... 60

Chapter 6 Breaking Boundaries (2005-2015)...... 78

Appendix One...... 110 Forty Years of Growth

Appendix Two...... 114 Board Members by Year

Index...... 117

Bibliography...... 119

Endnotes...... 120 Introducing the Richmond Fellowship of Western Australia, now Richmond Wellbeing.

Elly Jansen, 1960s.

ichmond Wellbeing has theology studies, Elly was forced to returned servicemen, the concept of a carers, neighbours, doctors, hospitals, Rbeen providing mental health question her true beliefs and motivations, therapeutic community to aid the recovery churches, relatives. The community works accommodation and services to Western and decided that her energy was best of mental illness focussed for the first together to understand mental illness and Australians for forty years (until 2015 directed in seeking to influence those time on the benefits of relationships the process of recovery. Elly developed under the name The Richmond Fellowship outside the Church to care and befriend in recovery, with both staff and other her own program for the Richmond of Western Australia, or, RFWA, as those most vulnerable on the margins patients, rather than a dependence on Fellowship, still driving the principles of referred to in this publication). From small of society, with a vision for a therapeutic medical intervention.1 The approach had the organisation today, where participants beginnings, the organisation has grown community as a place of healing. gathered popularity during the 1950s in learn to explore and examine their feelings from being a single home for young the UK, and was further developed as a in an open and honest manner. Elly came to England from Amsterdam women recovering from mental illness, technique by Maxwell Jones, the director and used her limited funds to rent a large Now with an extensive network in the to a sector-leading diverse mental health of social rehabilitation at the Belmont house in Richmond, Surrey, outer-London. UK, the Richmond Fellowship model services organisation. But the story of Hospital in Surrey.2 A mecca for those She contacted a local mental hospital also operates in many other parts of the RFWA goes back further than 1975 Perth. interested in new ideas around social and invited patients who were ready to world including Australia, New Zealand, Elly Jansen was one of nine children who psychiatry, his unit sparked a new wave of be discharged to share her house. Elly the United States, Canada, Malta, Hong grew up during WWII, in Holland very treatment for those recovering from mental balanced her academic theories with Kong, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, and near the German border. As a 19 year-old illness – both in and out of hospital. By the practical solutions to contribute to the Scotland. university student she was working with early 1970s the Association of Therapeutic development of an emerging approach to adolescent boys experiencing problems, Communities had been formed, of which Residents find new ways of establishing mental health – a therapeutic community. and organically developed her own the Richmond Fellowship were a notable formal and informal networks with families, ‘therapeutic’ method in an attempt to Initially introduced at the end of WWII early member.3 A therapeutic community relatives, neighbours, employers and manage the unruly bunch. Commencing by psychiatrist Thomas Main to benefit involves all the community – patients, organisations. They are also involved

12 13 Sharing the Journey Introducing Richmond Wellbeing

in the decision-making process of the house in which they live – meals, rosters In November 2014 RFWA’s current for household chores, paint colours, CEO Joe Calleja visited Elly Jansen in garden layout, interviewing and selecting London. This was his first meeting with new residents. The central challenge of Elly and he describes her as being an the Richmond Fellowship therapeutic inspirational person. He asked if she community is to live together as a would agree to having a short video family, which involves acceptance and made in which she could outline her interaction – acceptance of self as well vision which drove the formation of as others. More than a boarding house or Richmond Fellowship. She agreed to this hostel providing only food and shelter, the and with the help of Gregor Henderson, house is part of the community. Residents international mental health consultant Elly celebrates the award are qualified for selection by determining from Scotland, the video initiated by of her OBE with her young that they need residential care, are RFWA has been made and will be used family in 1980. motivated to health, and prepared to by Richmond Fellowships throughout the participate in group and community world. Coincidentally Gregor’s father was activity. a prominent psychiatrist with whom Elly Richmond Fellowship now has a global had collaborated in the early years of vision to work towards a society that values Richmond Fellowship, sharing a stage at everyone with mental health problems. It is some important events of that time. driven by a belief that recovery is a journey, and is different for each person. Achieving the best possible quality of life for each They (RFWA) have never stopped learning. They individual lies at the heart of the recovery have never stopped growing. They have a vision, journey. Long time RFWA Board member and Chair Lyn Willox reflects how the and they’re very clear what they are working underlying principle of ‘self-determination’ – with users taking a degree of responsibility towards. They live and breathe recovery and for their recovery – has come to underpin therapeutic philosophy in action at the hope.” Richmond Fellowship in Western Australia.4

Gregor Henderson5

14 15 CHAPTER A MATTER OF CUSTODY

hen European settlers moored on As the 19th century was drawing to a WWA’s sandy shores, the challenges close, a colonial social conscience was of climate, landscape and hardship were beginning to emerge that challenged unfathomable. “People of European stock long-held beliefs about mental illness, were seen as vulnerable to ‘bush madness’, largely rooted in religion. A shift from ‘moral insanity’ (and) ‘sunstroke’.”6 It wasn’t ‘custodial management’ to ‘curative until labour shortages and the shipping of a treatment’ began to take place.8 Even in 01 wave of subsequent British convicts to WA those times, “lip service was paid to the around 1850 that the need for mental health theory that occupation and an attempt at accommodation became apparent. This ‘resocialisation’ could somehow affect a was the age of custodialism; when the care cure for mental disorder.”8 of people with mental illness was considered It wasn’t for another twenty five years, Previously... to be the controlling of social disorder until 1901, that anyone with specialist bought about by the ‘problem of lunacy’.7 psychiatric knowledge took the reins at By 1866 the Fremantle Asylum was Fremantle. Dr Sydney Montgomery arrived completed, built by convict labour from from England in April of that year to take limestone in Dutch Colonial style, and up his position of Superintending Medical soon operating under the English Lunacy Officer of Asylums. As Western Australia Act of 1871. Many patients stayed for 20 entered the Australian Federation, he history of mental health services in Western Australia (WA) prior to RFWA’s to 40 years or until they died. Treatment Montgomery oversaw an early period of establishment in 1975 makes interesting reading. The current ‘biopsychosocial’ T consisted of little more than pragmatic reform in mental health, firstly responding model of mental health care that has developed over the last fifty years aims to take the restraint, which was the norm worldwide to the overcrowded and dilapidated best of medical and social approaches to support people with mental illness. until sedative drugs were developed. Fremantle Asylum. But it was not always thus.

THE AGE OF INSTITUTION

t was under Montgomery’s watch at the mental health nursing with the initial group Iturn of the century that treatment and of trainees receiving their Certificate of accommodation for those experiencing Proficiency in Mental Nursing in 1905. mental illness in Western Australia began Claremont Hospital for the Insane to take shape. The West Australian Lunacy opened in 1910 and accommodated Act 1903 superseded the existing English an initial 700 patients, with building Act, reflecting advances in attitude and a extensions soon after making room for shift to a medical, rather than legal model 200 more. Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) for managing insanity.9 Montgomery treated patients in its Mental Ward from established the first training course in

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1908, where they could avoid the stigma to be moved from one facility (such as of ‘insanity’ that came with admittance to Claremont to Heathcote) without the Claremont. Heathcote Hospital replaced consent of relatives and a swathe of the receiving ward at RPH in 1929, and other administrative parties.12 Of course, treated those with lesser conditions until in these years those with intellectual 1994. Whilst valid criticism has long been disabilities, addiction issues and mental directed at the institutional system, it is health illnesses were often grouped worth noting that in one sense it also together, with little consideration for their served to protect the mentally ill patient, individual needs. Children and adults were over a period when public intolerance, fear also routinely hospitalised in the same and anger towards affected people was institution. the norm.10 Following on from a psychiatric nurses’ The future of a patient at Claremont strike and subsequent new pay and during these decades was bleak. With a conditions award in 1948, public interest ratio of just a few physicians to nearly two in life at the relatively closed world of thousand patients, gaining release, let Claremont was being aroused. In 1950, alone rehabilitative support was a slow, if Sunday Times journalist Laurence Turner ever likely process. From 1930 onwards, faked his employment at Claremont deaths in the Hospital began to outnumber and famously outed the institution as a discharges, the rate of which drifted to as place of (sometimes) violent treatment low as 2%. Claremont’s authorities simply and general degradation.13 A Royal kept admitting patients and asked every Commission ensued and medical staff year for larger buildings.11 bore the brunt of criticism for poor training, records management and maltreatment. Patients continued to be admitted Ultimately it uncovered an urgent with little hope of recovery, and by 1955 need for better resourcing, and drew mental hospital populations were at their unprecedented public focus on life inside peak worldwide. The Mental Treatment a mental hospital.14 Act 1927 made it impossible for patients

Claremont Hospital for the Insane, 1920s. SLWA.

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DECANTING

ure enough, things were soon to change. The era of Questions were beginning to be asked. Was this really the best Sdeinstitutionalisation was about to begin. A national study was approach? Ruby Hutchison, chair of the Mental Health Committee of commissioned by the Federal Minister for Health Dr Earle Page in 1955, the Western Australian branch of the Australian Labour Party, was one and the subsequent ‘Stoller Report’, authored by Dr Alan Stoller (once person voicing concerns in the early 1960s. ‘Red Ruby’ was the first a senior medical officer at Claremont) reported massive overcrowding female Member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia, and the nationwide, also highlighting dire conditions at Claremont. In particular, State’s fourth female parliamentarian (1954-1971), following the footsteps the report drew attention to the urgent need for out-patient services. The of Edith Cowan, May Holman and Florence Cardell-Oliver. She was also report gave way to Federal investment of $10m in State-run mental health busy starting the first Australian Consumers’ Association and subsequent in Australia, with a focus on outpatient services.15 Psychiatry was finally to Choice magazine, at the time. begin its progression away from the confines of hospital walls. During her term in 1961, Ruby travelled overseas at her own expense The Inspector General of Mental Health Services, Dr Digby to benchmark services and systems elsewhere. Mental health was on Moynagh (1958-1967) began the process of patient management the British national agenda at the time, with Minister for Health Enoch outside hospital.16 In 1956 the first outpatient clinic in Perth, Havelock Powell’s famous ‘water towers and chimneys’ speech delivered at a Clinic, opened in West Perth, and supported by the emergence of Conservative party conference, slamming the horrors of the asylum, antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs, the mental health care model calling for their demolition, and setting the first movement towards began to change. Complementary professionals such as psychologists, community care in the UK into motion. In the United States psychiatrist occupational therapists and social workers became part of the recovery and academic Thomas Szasz had released his seminal paper on mental process (although social work was not offered as a university course illness, suggesting it was merely a ‘convenient myth’ and radically in WA until 1964). Trailblazer Moynagh strongly believed that the path questioned the agency of psychiatry.18 On Ruby’s return she lobbied to rehabilitation lay in putting the community in touch with mentally ill heavily for a distinction to be made between the mentally ill and the patients who were until then isolated and hidden from the public eye. intellectually disabled, who required different treatment. She deplored the fact that so many children and elderly patients were detained in In 1959 the Graylands Day Hospital opened on the grounds of hospitals, and that they had no other options. In particular Ruby argued Claremont Hospital, to treat people with acute illness, yet not requiring that WA needed to develop systems for patients to be treated as admission. The name ‘Graylands’ was chosen to distance the facility outpatients.19 from the stigma associated with the now infamous Claremont Hospital. Ironically Graylands is now the asylum-associated name. All treatments Western Australia in the early 1960s saw the new Mental Health Act were available to day patients (apart from narcosis treatment which 1962 written to replace the Lunacy Act 1903. Specialist hostels began to was popular at the time) and nursing staff were trained to develop a open, such as the Belmont and Kentucky hostels in Rivervale, and Pyrton therapeutic relationship with patients.17 Moynagh defended the new in Guildford. The historic and long-running Whitby Falls site in Mundijong, approach to his critics by pointing out that the reason Claremont was so set up as an ancillary institution in 1897, was degazetted to function as a full was that many inpatients had actually recovered from their illness, but hostel in 1972, before finally closing in 2006. 20 Green place in Mosman were unable to live in the community as they had been stripped of their Park, which had been serving as an annex to Claremont for female basic living skills. Until then the only process in place for patients being psychiatric patients also continued to operate as a hostel, managed by discharged was one of ‘trial leave’ in the patient’s home. Mental Health Services until 1979.

Ruby Hutchison in 1960. National Archives of Australia.

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LIFE AFTER DISCHARGE

he seeds of change had been sowed during Moynagh’s time, and Green Place, Tby the time Arch Ellis began his term as Director of Mental Health Mosman Park. Services in Western Australia in 1963, the vision for an alternative to Grove the hospital environment was becoming a reality. Digby Moynagh had Library. worked hard to change the underlying philosophies around mental illness treatment in Western Australia. By the late 1960s the need for rehabilitation support had been recognised, and services were progressing at Claremont. In 1966, two new blocks were opened, specifically designed to trial a new type of inpatient care. Claremont Hospital medical officer Dr Trevor Adams (1966-1968) was in charge of the new A and B Blocks, where a ‘therapeutic community’ was established (now known as Shaw and Shenton Houses). This new model involved regular ward meetings run by both patients and staff, and patients were able to propose changes and vote on ward management. Adams worked hard to encourage nursing staff to see their relationships with him and with the patients as a shared responsibility of care.23 In 1967 the Charter for Mental Health in 1980 that pensions were finally granted The Shenton Park Day Hospital which had replaced the Graylands Services was prepared by the directors to patients in mental hospitals. Day Hospital in 1965 took on the role of prevention, education and of the State Mental Health Services, and Although there had been a Medical training, and began to try to address ways to combat social stigma. In endorsed by State and Commonwealth School at the University of Western 1970 a Housecraft Training Centre ‘Mcdonald House’ was opened to ministers.21 For the first time a distinction Australia since 1957, it wasn’t until 1964 teach living skills and domestic rehabilitation, built with a grant from the was made between the mentally ill and that psychiatry was taught in the State. Lotteries Commission, though the charitable work of the Mental Health intellectually disabled at a policy level. The Department of Psychiatry and Association.24 The charter also decreed that patients Behavioural Science was established with should not be discriminated against (in Dr Harry Blackmore took over as Psychiatrist Superintendent Ian Oswald appointed to the Chair, and the same way that those with a physical at Claremont in 1967 and oversaw the discharge of hundreds of set up in a ‘fibro’ on the grounds of Sir disability could not), or be deprived of a patients. John Casson remembers first-hand the significant impact Charles Gairdner Hospital.22 pension, however it was many years later of Dr Blackmore in driving the development of alternative hostel accommodation for patients being discharged from Graylands. Blackmore spoke publicly against mental health stigma, apparent from the public discrimination aired when patients were noticed being admitted to a rest home in Mount Lawley.

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It was not to be the last time that effects from this early generation of Some operators were willing to confess they did not have the training the good people of Mt Lawley were anti-psychotic medications were also or expertise to handle the residents they were being asked to admit – but to make their concerns known about particularly unpleasant; pacing, drooling the pressure was on to find beds, and people had to go somewhere.28 accommodating people with mental and oculogyric crisis that caused a A move to community-based care brought with it a whole new illness in their community. patient’s eyes to roll backwards.25 Jan challenge for practitioners regarding non-compliance around Stewart was a social worker in Perth at Deinstitutionalisation was reshaping medication. Consumers also began to question traditional medical- the time and recalls there being minimal the whole environment for the mentally based approaches to mental illness, as side effects to drugs could be auditing of the quality of the care given ill, and it was not happening without its perceived as worse than primary symptoms. The social, cultural and in hostels, and at times unsuitable and challenges. Early hostels that emerged economic environment was also changing, with rising recreational drug cramped conditions. Occupational to take discharged patients were use, family breakdown and industrial unrest impacting on social and therapy was rarely offered and there was not registered; little more than basic psychological instability. no attempt to help people back into the boarding houses. Community care nurses workforce. Residents would pay 85% would visit at three-weekly intervals to of their income to the manager of the administer medication by injection, but hostel, retaining just a few dollars for there was limited follow-up care. Side personal items.26 BOARD OF VISITORS

We had, at one stage, hundreds of hostel beds. Most or patients at Claremont, a desire for discharge was likely to Fbe aided by an appeal to the Board of Visitors. The Visitors of them were run by private organisations and were provide a link between the institution and the outside world. A Board what we called, ‘board and care’ type hostels. People of Visitors was first established in Perth in the 1870s and consisted of community representatives who would inspect hospital facilities went into one of those hostels and were generally (often unannounced) and report back to a Board of Inquiry, as a there for life. Some were really well-run while form of external audit. “Legislators understood that staff can become institutionalised just as quickly as patients and can learn to overlook others were not of such a high standard. There serious problem which have become part of their everyday work”.29 were then lots of people in long stay wards. In 1957 The relatively small population of Perth however would have meant that the group would undoubtedly have connections with those in positions for example, there were close to 2,000 people in of power, making issues difficult to raise and objectivity questionable. mental hospitals in WA; most in Graylands, but “They attended the same functions, joined the same Masonic lodges, played cricket together and appeared before the same parliamentary some of course in Heathcote. From the early 1960s inquiries.”30 on, many of them were ‘decanted’ from the hospitals In the early 1950s the Board of Visitors was interviewing close to 100 and put into board and care type hostels; basically patients a month, most of whom were seeking discharge. Community attention had begun to focus on Claremont in the 1960s (especially after because they needed support and no longer needed the Sunday Times article scandal) and charitable groups had started psychiatric care.” organising outings for patients, albeit often ill-prepared for the realities of managing institutionalised people.31 Providing a conduit between hospitals and ‘outside’ life required understanding and experience. Dr Geoff Smith27

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Indeed the Mental After-Care accommodation for those discharged Association was amongst the first group of from hospital with an uncertain future. recipients to receive grants in the inaugural Local residents protested vigorously distribution by the Lotteries Commission to the Perth City Council, stirred by (getting more than the Scouts). rousingly stigmatising articles published by the Sunday Times. In 1935 the Association managed to purchase a property (with assistance The publicity did little to promote from the Lotteries Commission)34 in therapeutic after-care. Woodville Street, North Perth, to provide

THE JOURNEY OF AFTER- CARE

The Sunday Times, June 11, 1939, p.3 ne of the first women to become involved in the world of mental health Ocare in Western Australia was Susan Casson, a social reformer with the (then) Australian Labour Federation in 1912. Susan helped to form, … Governmentally-conducted institutions such as Claremont amongst other leading social and political groups, a reshaped Board of Visitors for Claremont in 1915.32 The State Government had grudgingly Asylum and Heathcote serve their purpose and serve it agreed at that time to ensure at least one woman sat on this audit group, admirably; but there are a number of back ally “rest” homes in and to reinstate the Board’s power of discharge. But the Inspector General and around the suburbs of this city which shelter unfortunate at the time, J.T. Anderson, was unwilling to release ‘unrecovered’ patients, and it was difficult to discharge those who had no accommodation, mental defectives under, in many instances, distinctly Susan Casson, courtesy employment or other support. unfavourable conditions. … Obviously these places must John Casson. Susan Casson formed the Mental After-Care Association, which flourish. Has not the “Medical Journal of Australia” recently gave discharged patients financial support, paying their board and lodging and helping them to find work, with funds raised by donation. declared it to be no exaggeration that more than half the It’s believed that the organisation was the first of its kind to benefit hospital beds in any civilised country are occupied by patients psychiatric patients in Australia. Susan was convinced that the suffering from Mental and nervous diseases? … In many greatest good she could enact lay outside the environment of the Lunacy Department and its institutions. During the Depression years instances the word “rest home” is a flagrant misnomer and in donations dried up, but Susan worked tirelessly to find ways to support several of these institutions there are serious abusers. … They those discharged from Claremont. She had enlisted the support of a community service group, the Ugly Men’s Voluntary Workers’ are subject neither to the jurisdiction nor the supervision of the Association, who provided charitable welfare support to many Perth governmental medical authorities. causes - between their establishment year of 1917, until the inception of the Lotteries Commission in 1933.33

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Casson House, Woodville Street, North Perth. Courtesy John Casson

Initial funds raised by the organisation were used to provide Christmas presents for patients, an annual sports day and river trip. The river trip, begun in 1925, continues to this day to provide an annual outing for patients at Graylands Hospital and residents of Casson Homes. Susan Casson continued to develop and expand her specialist hostel, handing over administration to her daughter Mrs Matilda Gard in 1945. Later additions and the purchase of an adjoining property, again with the assistance of the Lotteries Commission, enabled the organisation to provide accommodation for approximately 50 residents, and by the 1960s they were accommodating over 100 people. After Matilda’s death in 1971, the running of the homes passed to her nephew, John Casson. With welfare and compassion in his blood, John also went on to become one of the pioneering members of RFWA, a few years later.35 The Mental Health After-care Association officially became Casson Homes Inc. in 1986, and has gained the valued respect of those in the sector as a leading provider of quality and progressive high-care mental health accommodation and services.36

28 29 After 23 years of coalition rule, and emphasized integration and justice.38 Australians elected the Labor Party led As well as sounding good, community by Gough Whitlam to power in 1972. care was also thought to be a cheaper The country had its first experience of option than funding large institutions at universal health care with the introduction the time, however over the years it has of the Medibank scheme in 1974, when become apparent that cost-saving is not psychiatric services were made widely a push driver for quality community care. accessible through the introduction of The Whitlam government did what they direct billing and rebates. could, until its infamous downfall in 1975. As part of its wide-ranging That year also marked the year that social and welfare reforms, the the United Nations General Assembly 02 government was encouraging proclaimed the Declaration of the Rights of change in the world of Disabled Persons, which included social, mental health by increasing civic and political rights for people with The Get Go support for community based disabilities.39 Building on the principles of facilities rather than funding the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human the existing institutional care Rights, it bought the concepts of human (1973-1975) (buildings) approach for health rights and the experiences of people with and mental services. The State physical or mental disadvantage together Grants (Mental Health Institutions) on the global stage. Act 1964 was repealed in 1973 and in Anti-psychotic and other psychiatric its place a system of ‘matched grants’ medications had become widely available for community mental health clinics by this time, and were also instrumental in was introduced.37 This ideological shift, he early 1970s were an intense time French were developing nuclear power gaining sector and public support for the coupled with the gradual growth of the of social change and revolution in in the Pacific. An oil crisis in the Middle shift to community-based accommodation T consumer movement led to steady, if slow, Australia. Long-held social and cultural East made Western Countries think for the and services. reform. Much of this reform focused on the beliefs were rapidly being challenged and first time about their dependence on fossil rights of the mentally ill and their families reformed. The White Australia policy was fuels. The price of petrol skyrocketed, scrapped, troops were withdrawn from inflation and unemployment was on the Vietnam, women were making progress up, and the Australian current account slid in their quest for equal pay, the pill was into deficit in 1974. The union movement The history of medication probably allowed to be prescribed for non-married had found its feet, spawning wage races parallels the changes to some extent women, university education became free, and unprecedented rights for workers. and in 1976, the Aboriginal Land Rights People became mobilised and many (with) how people could move out of (Northern Territory) Act was enacted. consumer groups were formed over hospital. Originally a lot of them would Globally the world was shifting gears too; this time, protesting and demonstrating a little company called Microsoft had against social and environmental injustices never have got out of hospital if you didn’t started talking about taking computers to and for the right to self-determination. It have these medications.” the masses in the United States, and the was a turbulent time.

Shirley Smith40

30 31 Sharing the Journey Chapter 2 / The Get Go (1973-1975)

On 3 September 1972, Claremont health at the Selby Clinic, and became George’s enthusiasm to get the Richmond Fellowship Hospital was closed and divided into heavily influential in the Catholic Church’s established was one such project. The winds of change two separate hospitals: Swanbourne early social welfare work at the time. He were blowing. The importance of mental health awareness Hospital, encompassing the original 1904 recounts the story of a woman in a group and attention was gaining attention as the consumer buildings, which cared for psychogeriatric at the Selby Centre who wept when she movement developed. Non-government providers were patients and adults with developmental found out the undercover social work developing the future of community services. disabilities, and Graylands Hospital for student was actually a Catholic priest, Not far away in North Perth, John Casson, the grandson acute psychiatric patients.41 By the early “because finally there’s somebody in our of founder Susan Casson of Casson Homes was also keen 1980s Swanbourne Hospital then also church who cares about people like us”.43 to discover new approaches. John had been to the UK in closed; deinstitutionalisation was running Indeed church and welfare groups were 1973 to research best practice in mental health after-care its course. forerunners in providing non-acute mental and had visited the Richmond Fellowship. As the sixties rolled into the seventies, health services in WA, and a number ran the concept of recovery was starting groups for people in recovery from mental to gather interest in Perth. Emeritus illness. Church of Christ Pastor George Archbishop Barry Hickey tells the story of Smith had helped set up the Christian the Catholic Priest Con Keogh who had Welfare Centre (CWC) in the basement of A NEW CONCEPT IN MENTAL HEALTH undergone a year of treatment in a mental the new church building at 146 Beaufort hospital in Sydney, and got the Richmond Street in Northbridge in 1960. CWC was a AFTER-CARE COMES TO PERTH Fellowship off the ground in NSW in the mini ‘crisis centre’ and brought together all late 1960s.42 Con came West and gave that the welfare-driven George believed in. some talks to people in Perth, including the social work student Barry, who had his first experience working in mental t was June 1973 when George Smith time too). Struggling for ideas to entertain Ipicked up the phone in his busy Elly, Ray thought she and George might CWC office one day to Ray Vincent from have some common ground and arranged Archbishop Sambell’s Anglican Church a lunch date. George warmed to Elly office. Archbishop Sambell was Australia’s and instantly saw how the Richmond The agency had the potential to develop a generic first Australian born Anglican prelate. He Fellowship’s principles connected with unit capable of servicing not only material needs broadened chaplaincy services within those of the Christian Welfare Centre. He the Church, and in 1974 established the immediately set about gathering support (food, clothing, accommodation and furniture), but Anglican Health and Welfare Services for the idea to get it off the ground in Perth, also emotional, psychological and relationship need. Board. Projects initiated under his and on 8th February 1974 an inaugural direction included a recycling operation, meeting was held at the Christian Welfare In addition there was potential for the church to housing for single-parent families, an Centre, attended by George, John experiment with programmes to meet specific needs. Asian Community Centre, and a marriage Casson, Ray Vincent, and Keith Dowding. and family counselling service.45 Edna Buckley from Richmond Fellowship There were many gaps in the welfare system and Victoria was also present. Father Barry Ray had been asked by Archbishop Hickey had also come on board and little was being done to fill them. I was convinced that Sambell to look after a visitor from was keen to take his newfound interest in England, Elly Jansen. John Casson had such projects, once established, should not remain mental health recovery forward. Not long just spent time with Elly in England and after he attended an ACOSS conference under the flag of the organisation.” offered to host her visit when Archbishop in Tasmania, and came back bubbling Sambell thought he wasn’t going to be with enthusiasm and stories of a new around (but with a change of plans due 44 Richmond Fellowship house that had just George Smith to a pilot strike, ended up in Perth at the opened in Sydney. 46

32 33 Sharing the Journey Chapter 2 / The Get Go (1973-1975)

The combined forces of this dynamic Peppermint Grove home (afternoon tea group of multi-Christian faiths were was served in the garden) and managed just what it took to get Perth’s newest to convince her to redirect her donation concept in community mental health off to a fledging project supporting people the ground. George Smith was happy to requiring mental health accommodation offer use of the CWC offices in Beaufort and care. They must have charmed her, Street as a temporary home for the as Ruth readily agreed and immediately fledgling organisation to meet and use wrote a cheque for $5,000 as an initial as a registered address. They decided donation, with a further $15,000 promised, that the group most in need was a cohort although tied up at that point in property of unmarried 25-30 year old women, on assets. which the Fellowship should focus. Curiously, just streets away from Ruth’s George Smith and John Casson took house and at the same time, a Scottish up the project with zeal, and called on the woman working as a girls’ school boarding expertise of the then Director of Mental house mistress wrote to the Richmond Health Services in Western Australia, A.E. Fellowship in the UK desperate to know (Arch) Ellis. During his tenure (1963 – if the charity was planning to set up in 1977) Ellis set up a number of new out- Western Australia.48 With a grown son patient clinics as well as the Community battling life on his own and no suitable Psychiatric Division to supervise the accommodation available, she had registered psychiatric hostels, and the noticed a woman’s magazine article Community Development Centre.47 Ellis profiling Richmond Fellowship and kept it bought with him Dr Richard Ellison, his for solace. The letter eventually found its community psychiatrist and Noreen Paust, way to the committee in Perth – the need the Officer in Charge of the Community for such a service was certainly being felt. Psychiatric Division. Ellis insisted that both With money immediately available, the Richard and Noreen were involved in the steering committee felt it could go ahead early steering committee for the Richmond and look for a property to purchase. A Fellowship WA. Richard Ellison stepped in Commonwealth Grant of $71,250 had to take the Chair. The conviction required been secured from the Hospitals and to make it happen and credentials needed TOP LEFT: John Casson Health Services Commission in Canberra to give the project gravitas were coming (Community Health Programme), in a final TOP RIGHT: Richard Ellison together. Rev David Woodruff, Rev. R. flourish of Gough Whitlam’s welfare-driven Pool and Mr J. Dawes were also involved. BOTTOM LEFT: Archbishop (then Father) Barry Hickey, 1970s pen. The committee agreed that residents But it was going to take work, and would pay rent, which started off at $36 CENTER BOTTOM: Noreen Paust of course, money. Serendipitously, per week. BOTTOM RIGHT: George Smith around this time George Smith received In line with Richmond Fellowship a phone call from Joe Quigley, a liaison principles to rehabilitate residents back officer at Royal Perth Hospital’s alcohol into the community, it was important clinic. Joe had been contacted by Ruth to look for a property in an established Downer, an elderly woman who wished residential area, with easy access to to bequeath money to support a home for transport, shops and facilities. A few female alcoholics. Joe called in George possible properties were considered in and together they pitched up at Ruth’s suburbs such as Dianella, Cottesloe and

34 35 Sharing the Journey Chapter 2 / The Get Go (1973-1975)

Mt Lawley. Cottesloe, with its healthy submitted an application to the City of ocean air, housed a number of institutions Stirling to open a half-way house at the such as various orphanages, aged care address. homes, specialist hospitals and The Once the application reached Council School of the Blind, but Cottesloe Council and became public knowledge, a swathe put a stop to an option there due to of opposition ensued. Opponents lobbied ‘planning restrictions’. In March 1975 a Councillors and local residents alike. believed suitable house was sourced in Noreen Paust was reportedly offered a Elstree Street Mount Lawley and an offer cheque for $200 to stop the project. presented. Zoned ‘single residential’, the committee hit its first hurdle when it

The locals formed pressure groups. One worked on councillors, another on each household in the community and another focussed on me, apparently because I was spearheading the project. For days on end I received a phone call on the hour, every hour, at my office and my home. It reached the stage when I would look at my watch and comment, “Five minutes to go. Who is it going to be this time?”

George Smith49

Even though there had been some or George were heard, with clenched great national media exposure for the fists punching the air as objections were Richmond Fellowship prior to this time, shouted. “When one critic yelled out local press articles quickly emerged to ‘We don’t want our suburb degraded’ Dr spread news of the ‘worrying’ possibility at Ellison said ‘Degraded no; Enhanced, one opening in respectable Mount Lawley. yes’.”50 The general sentiment was that this could be the ‘thin edge of the A public meeting was convened at wedge’. A climate of ignorance and Alexander Park Hall on Friday 13th June fear dominated the atmosphere and 1975, with Richard Ellison and George Councillor Stone proceeded to keep Smith well prepared to convert the his ward residents happy, refusing the sceptics. Hecklers apparently created application to develop a Richmond such a din that no words from Richard Fellowship house in Mt Lawley.

36 37 Chapter 2 / The Get Go (1973-1975)

of billiards on the table before it was trained staff member to be seconded to removed. Two voluntary workers lured Perth to establish the model. Sally Sinclair by George from the Christian Welfare from the Richmond Fellowship in the UK Centre combined their skills to do the work arrived in November to become the first without charge. Both men had suffered caretaker and lived at Ruth Downer House breakdowns and were in the process of with the residents, who moved in on 1st rebuilding their lives in the community. March 1976. The Richmond Fellowship of Not easily defeated, the steering numerous Perth City Councillors (as the Western Australia had begun. committee pressed on with their quest. Council incorporated the suburb of Victoria On the 12th September 1975 the By chance Noreen Paust spotted an Park at that time) to garner support. The Richmond Fellowship of Western Australia In order to get the house ready for advertisement for a large home at 9 matter was debated before a full meeting was incorporated thanks to the work of the first residents, furniture, electrical Teague Street, Victoria Park, which of the Council with only one person allowed a steering committee member, solicitor items, manchester and kitchenware happened to be owned by a widow living to present the case from each side. The David Shearer. The first World Conference were purchased. Being the seventies, next door who had no objection to the opposition arguments were emotional and of the Richmond Fellowship was also the list included a crock-pot, twin-tub proposal from the Richmond Fellowship. spoke of devaluing property, danger to held in that year. George Smith attended washing machine and Black and White Victoria Park, although well established families and noise pollution. George Smith the conference as a representative from Thorn television. and in places ‘leafy’, was already home presented the Richmond Fellowship case, WA, and whilst there negotiated for a to a number of hostels and advancing stressing the potential of the project and cultural and religious diversity. Changes requesting permission to at least try the in the zoning laws in the 1960s were project for a period of time. To the credit allowing for higher density dwellings in of the Council, permission was given for a certain circumstances, such as aged one year trial with an option to extend. The care homes and some public housing Commonwealth Grant had been promised “FILE NOTE: FIRST DAYS AT DOWNER HOUSE” dwellings.51 Many who spent time at and Ruth Downer was approached for the Ruth Downer House have reflected on $15,000 balance required. Unfortunately the charm of the house, a “beautiful old Ruth was unable to free the funds at this The community meets every Monday night crisis. The president is also responsible for home, sitting just on the top of the rise time, and a hasty application was made for a group with the main emphasis on ensuring people are up in the morning and … if you look out the big windows at the to the Lotteries Commission to request the back you can see right across the river shortfall. To the relief of all concerned the discussing living together and the problems lights are off at night. Any part of their job and city, it was a magnificent position”.52 application was successful and a grant of related to this. The group has elected a can be delegated. Not being designed for purpose however, $24,000 was gratefully received. the home provided mainly shared president who holds this position for four All residents have an hour with the Director The building was purchased for bedrooms, which was eventually a weeks. In this role they are responsible $67,000 on 20th October 1975 and Ruth every week to discuss problems they feel contributing reason for the house being Downer House became the Richmond for seeing that the practical aspects of sold 25 years later. Former WA Premier cannot be discussed in the group. Usually Fellowship’s first home in Western Geoff Gallop, once a long term Victoria the community are seen to. This includes Australia. So began the deep and these are problems not related to living in Park resident, reflects upon the suburb as rewarding relationship that RFWA was to organising housework rosters and shopping a place inner-city in nature and diverse in the community. The day to day structure in forge with the Lotteries Commission, now character, when compared to archetypal lists. Both these are done at a morning the house is: 9-11 housework, 11-12 meeting, Lotterywest, over the next forty years. suburbs where that which is different, is meeting which is held every week day 7pm dinner together. Everyone takes turns in not always well received.53 With limited money left in the kitty, work following house work, which all residents began on 9 Teague Street to adapt it for preparing dinner and clearing up. Breakfast Having learnt from the Mount Lawley use. The electrical system needed rewiring not at work should attend. The president is experience, the steering committee did not and lunch are self-service with responsibility and a very large billiard room required opt for a public meeting, and instead John also responsible for contacting the Director, dividing to make two extra bedrooms. left to the residents to ensure that necessary Casson used his personal contacts with Noreen and Richard played the last game or standing in for the Director, if there is a foods are provided.

38 39 CHAPTER

People talk about volunteerism now, but in those days it really was the only way. Either it was the parents, or friends, or families of the disabled or mentally ill. A lot of them naturally looked to the 03 church and other organisations that were stronger than they are now. … But governments then of course thought that this was the responsibility Early Days of volunteers, and not government. And some governments still think like that, they still can’t understand why they can’t be just run by (1976-1980) volunteers, and take up all this money.”

Keith Wilson57

he late 1970s were memorable years in the public events that began to raise awareness RFWA was up and running in 1976, but not T‘State of Excitement’. of Aboriginal dispossession and associated without its teething problems, and no doubt a few human rights deprivation. Just a few days later tantrums.56 In July Dr Richard Ellison resigned 1979 marked 150 years of European settlement Federal Commissioner for Community Relations, as Chair of the Management Committee and in Western Australia, and Sandgropers, led by Al Grassby, was very publicly confronted by Solicitor David Shearer stepped in to take his the Court Liberal government, celebrated their 50 Indigenous demonstrators demanding his place. Noreen Paust also resigned, and by August sesquicentenary WAY ’79 with gusto.54 attention. Manager Sally Sinclair who had come from Perth hosted Miss Universe that year (Miss England had moved on. Jack Brown stepped in But the Court government and commentators of Venezuela took the crown) and welcomed to do the role on weekends, and married couple the day, in the words of historian Geoffrey Bolton, Prince Charles in a State visit. But the times Ted and Ethel Mason took up the weekly live-in saw progress in terms of mineral development were a’ changing. When Indigenous activist Ken role. It is incredible to reflect that most of the work rather than social justice, and were a long way Colbung was invited to perform the didgeridoo was carried out on a volunteer basis in these days. from prioritising the needs of the marginalised.55 at New Year’s Eve celebrations with Rolf Harris Such was the passion for the vision. Officially WAY 1979 remained nothing more than and Fat Cat, he handed an eviction notice to an innocent celebration of community, through the Sir Wallace Kyle, the then Governor of Western lens of a sanitised version of the past. Australia. The event kicked off a sequence of

40 41 Sharing the Journey Chapter 3 / Early Days (1976-1980)

Michael Rowden greets the ‘Fairsky’ at Fremantle Port, 1967. National Archives of Australia.

When Jack Brown left suddenly, Doing their best, the committee board members David Shearer and Ray conceded that there was a need for some Vincent offered their services to live in committed leadership and management Ruth Downer House, early days. on weekends. The committee members if the venture was to survive. Negotiations were ‘flying by the seat of their pants’, began with Michael Rowdon, an English when they held their first AGM on 16th Anglican priest who, with a desire to The model is essentially based upon a concept of September 1976. Without ongoing work in mental illness, had returned to community, rather than upon medical therapy: funding secured and income limited to England the year before to train with the rent and the odd donation, the quest was Richmond Fellowship in the UK. Michael this means imparting a sense of community within challenging, especially as the therapeutic had originally been brought out in 1966 to the house, between the life of the house and the model required one staff member for every Perth from the East End of London by the five residents. Anglican Church to help with their work in rest of the community and involving residents in settling new migrants.58 Ever the pragmatist, George Smith was extramural activities within the normal resources getting on with business and arranged Like most of the other Church-based provided by the surrounding neighbourhood.” the purchase of a Combi Van (1800) to representatives who were instrumental provide resident transport. George battled in getting RFWA off the ground in Perth, to argue charitable status with the Road Michael was a bit of a maverick who was Michael Rowdon 59 Traffic Authority, and for the granting of a keen to develop the church’s welfare concessional licence. work in areas like ‘youth inreach’ (taking

42 43 Sharing the Journey Chapter 3 / Early Days (1976-1980)

Richmond Fellowship was different because it was aimed at younger people and it was a therapeutic community. In other (private) hostels the money was usually minded for people, all the meals were provided, medication was stored and given out. With Richmond Fellowship the whole idea was that they would learn living skills so they could manage, and have meetings with peers, that sort of thing. It was a totally different operation.”

Chris Coopes60

services to the streets). Keith Wilson dangerous scenarios that unfolded at Ruth Word was getting out about RFWA, Still without ongoing funding, the recalls Michael had a vibrant personality, Downer. The management committee and referrals began arriving from financial situation was pretty dire. With only and with his hip 70s clothes stood out had many an opportunity to worry about forward-thinking social workers and two full-time staff by 1977, the committee amongst the other clergy. Michael had the general chaos that ensued as the psychiatrists, who were desperately members frequently stepped in to work on made contact with George and shared his organisation was finding its feet. trying to find quality placement as the a voluntary basis. RFWA was operating on mutual belief in the Richmond Fellowship tide of deinstitutionalisation continued. the smell of an oily rag, however somehow The day-to-day reality for staff vision. Michael also confessed how he had Religious groups were also interested, managed to accommodate 41 people over was about inspiring residents to take been pushed to challenge his temptation but fundamentally held faith that a trust in the course of twelve months, in two houses. responsibility for themselves and to ‘fix people’. Jesus Christ was the true path to recovery. others. This started with getting up in In 1977 Elly Jansen returned to Perth to It was time for RFWA to distance itself from Michael, with the support of the the morning, working as one of a team see her work in action in Western Australia faith-based groups and focus on its core committee, delicately moved the reluctant and making a commitment to recovery and attend a mental health conference. beliefs of self-help. Ted and Ethel on, and took up his role – sometimes a massive challenge in In the same year a community education as supervisor. He chose not to live itself. Although the initial reaction from Scepticism also came from some in programme, ‘Breakdown or Breakthrough’ in at Ruth Downer House in order to neighbours was one of suspicion, after the psychiatric community, who could had been developed by Michael and Pam maintain objectivity (plus there was no being invited in for social events and perceive the therapeutic method as Dolley from the Association of Relatives separate bathroom for staff; it really was a to come and talk to the staff at any amateurish. But not all felt this way, and and Friends of the Mentally Ill (ARAFMI) communal arrangement). Instead he set time, many soon warmed to this new although psychiatrists would continue which had formed the year before. So about trying to recruit staff with relevant community facility, with one coming in to to maintain patient responsibility and began the start of the highly popular backgrounds in fields such as social teach pottery to residents in the garage. overall management, the therapeutic ‘Breakthrough’ lectures that ran as a joint work, occupational therapy and nursing. model was gradually gaining interest. project between ARAFMI and RFWA for Michael’s experience was still pretty scant Some practitioners also contributed with many years. 61 In a sense they were the however, and he was very much learning training and support for RFWA’s staff. precursor to the rich training programme on the job in relation to the often potentially that RFWA operate today.

44 45 Sharing the Journey Chapter 3 / Early Days (1976-1980)

It’s more than just treating someone with medication and then just sending them out the door, or passed off A LINEAR to a hostel. It was about going through the process of PERSPECTIVE – putting people in a high-dependency living space, and GROUP HOMES then actually moving them through various types of accommodation until they were out into the community.”

Trish Ryans-Taylor62

ight from the beginning, residents 1977 was probably the lowest point for RFWA, and Director Rwere never officially ‘discharged’, Michael Rowdon was still struggling to get a solid grip on day-to-day but rather encouraged to move on and operations. With income still limited to rents received, donations and find the next level of help they needed. one-off grants, it’s a miracle the organisation was still operating at all. For many this was to move to a group Up until 1978 operating income was dependant on rent of home, where support was reduced but around $17,000, supplemented by a bank loan. Finally by 1978 still available. RFWA tested the model by salary subsidies were secured from the Commonwealth DSS and renting a house at 9 Hillview Street Mount State Mental Health Services; a combined amount of $11,140 in Lawley, as their first group home. 1978 rising to $17,500 in 1979.63 In 1977 Ruth Downer passed away and After five years of hard work, both George Smith and David the remainder of her bequest, $15,000, Shearer decided late in 1978 that it was time to move on and develop became available. Another $17,000 other pursuits, which left John Casson as the only member of the had been promised by the Lotteries original steering committee. This volunteer group had achieved an Commission and a $25,000 bank loan enormous amount since their first meetings back in 1973. secured, when 13 Teague Street, a few doors down from Ruth Downer House Ray Vincent from the Anglican Church was asked by the came on the market and was purchased management committee to conduct a consultant-style investigation for $51,500. The house, built in 1900 was into how things were going, and in 1979 reported back on a range named “Hillview” and residents moved of shortcomings around record keeping, job descriptions, training, in during July 1978. With people only liability, and a sense of general uncertainty about committee vs. allowed to spend 12 months at Ruth management responsibility. Sheer hard work and a commitment to ABOVE: Main entrance, Downer, this nearby group home provided the cause were keeping the show on the road. Hillview the perfect transitional ‘stepping stone’ But there was definitely room for improvement. RIGHT: Ruth Downer’s option. There were six beds on site, and a memorial, Karrakatta stay was generally capped at two years.

Michael Rowdon, Courtesy Anglican Diocese of Perth

46 47 CHAPTER The 1980s were a period of great growth in the NFP sector. It was indeed the era of the whole change in philosophy in the management of disability and mental health: that people should not be kept in institutions, that they were entitled to the same opportunities as anyone else. So 04 there was this groundswell in the growth of NFP organisations.”

Getting on 67 Jan Stewart. with the job Unfortunately the assumption that less institutional beds meant (1980-1990) lower costs was wrong.68 The cracks started to show as the decade progressed, and demands from professional and consumer groups for better coordination and investment began to be heard. Provider and community groups (ARAFMI, and the Western Australian Association for Mental Health established in 1960) were shaping the landscape of he 1980s was a decade of adverse Resolution to respect the basic rights of care in WA. The ‘consumer movement’ had emerged, and the voices publicity for mental health care in people with mental illness,64 and Federally T of many minority and marginalised groups – gay and lesbian, disabled, Australia. A series of public inquiries that when Australian health ministers signed indigenous, migrants, were demanding attention. Support organisations centred on human rights abuses and the Mental Health Statement of Rights began to include user and carer representatives on their boards and inadequate levels of care. In 1986 the new and Responsibilities.65 “International committees, as a matter of course.69 Australian Human Rights Commission instruments incorporated in Federal was established by an Act of Federal law stipulate that individuals affected 1981 was also the United Nation’s International Year of Disabled Parliament. Now mental illness was the by mental illness are entitled, without Persons. The event worked to create a global shift in personal and social official concern of more than just the discrimination, to the same human rights consciousness of disability, from understanding it in terms of individual medical fraternity. It wasn’t until 1991 as everybody else.”66 pathology (the medical model) to one based in human rights and lifting however that the true notion of human the barriers created by society.70 For Barry Hickey it was a milestone Thus ensued a period of slow and rights being part of mental health care event that he believes was a gear-changer for community services. steady reform in the provision of care for became fully acknowledged – both Although celebrated by the community services sector, some criticism the mentally ill. A new dominant ideology of at international level when the United was voiced from the social work fraternity at the time regarding the community care, in preference to institution- Nations passed a General Assembly invisibility of psycho-social disability.71 But was mental illness a disability? based care, was gaining ground.

48 49 Chapter 4 / Getting on with the job (1980-1990)

y the 1980s Casson Homes and RFWA were the Bleading not-for-profit providers of mental health residential care in Perth. Many support facilities such as sheltered workshops had been closed around this time,72 and opportunities for those in hostel accommodation were often scant. The Breakthrough training, now an annual event jointly run by ARAFMI and RFWA was extremely well attended, providing much needed information on a range of mental health topics for consumers, carers and parents desperate for guidance. In October 1980 Michael Rowdon and Richard Ellison welcomed HRH Princess Alexandra, Richmond Fellowship UK’s patron to an afternoon tea reception at Ruth Downer House. The residents in Victoria Park had the experience of a visit from royalty, and Michael clearly thoroughly enjoyed entertaining the Princess and her entourage. In September 1981 Elly Jansen returned for a two day trip to Perth to visit RFWA houses, and deliver a public seminar entitled “Reconstruction of life after breakdown – through therapeutic community houses” at the Community Development Centre in Shenton Park. The following year George Smith decided that after twenty years at the Christian Welfare Centre he was ready for a new challenge, and having become acutely aware of the disadvantages faced by rural West Australians, started the Mobile Counselling Service from a converted Bedford van, with his new wife Willi. In a letter to the property owner of the house between Ruth Downer House and Hillview, enquiring if a sale might be of interest, Michael referred to the RFWA as a ‘charitable institution’ in 1980. Today’s classification Michael with Princess ‘non-government organisation’ was still a long way Alexandra. off. Nevertheless, records from the day show that recurring funding from the DSS and Mental Health Services, which when combined with rents and other sundry sources, was providing a total annual income of $125,229 by 1983. With expenditure of $119,811 that year, supporting around 27 residents in three facilities, RFWA was now in a more secure and confident position to consider expanding.73 Letter from Princess Alexandra.

50 51 Sharing the Journey Chapter 4 / Getting on with the job (1980-1990)

MORE THAN HOUSES

n 1981, with the assistance of the accommodation-based services, which IDepartment of Community Welfare, have developed significantly over the RFWA had started its Independent Living years. Once residents have spent time in Program to assist people with finding a group home, for many on their journey the money for a bond, or letting fee, to to recovery the time then comes when a move into their own place. This was the desire and ability to live alone arrives. beginning of the organisation’s non-

DELTA’S DAWN: SPECIALIST RFWA negotiated a trial period of DELTA was up and running, but it was not six months with the Bassendean Town without its challenges. Director Michael SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Council, after which time if no complaints Rowdon faced vehement objection from ensued, DELTA’s future would be secure. the local community, yet poured oil on The Lotteries Commission came to the the waters of discontent, with some party yet again, and wrote a cheque for success. Michael was well respected for t an ARAFMI meeting in 1980 for prospective residents. It also had a $98,000, to cover the property purchase his work with residents and their families, discussion turned to providing swimming pool – luxury. A and cost of basic furnishings. ARAFMI but was notoriously woeful at managing accommodation for young people (18-35) As an interesting aside, the house had asked RFWA to ‘adopt’ DELTA, whilst the finances, and frequently overspent suffering from schizophrenia and likely impressive provenance, being the family providing their own volunteers to cover his monthly budget, to the chagrin of the needing accommodation support for some home of Mary (May) Holman who in 1925 the supervisor role at weekends and management committee. John Casson time.74 Dr Bill Hearn of the Queen Elizabeth was elected to the seat of Forrest, and the with general fundraising. Julie Norbury recalls berating Michael for running up Medical Centre’s psychiatric team was a first woman in the Labor Party in Australia was appointed supervisor and the house too many bills at one meeting, just before keen supporter of the organisation, and to be elected to Parliament. She retained swiftly filled to capacity with 10 residents. Michael made a request for money to buy came up with the concept and name - the seat through four elections. May fought ARAFMI and RFWA were incredibly eight new bean bags (essential items in Designed Environment for Long Term for many reforms: equal citizenship rights proud of their work – creating a home any 1980s lounge room). Accommodation, or DELTA - as a possible for women, equal pay for men and women, that was the first of its kind in Australia. solution. The group called on John Casson child endowment, raising the school who had established credibility, to take leaving age to 16 and for improvements the idea and turn it into a reality through in the training and working conditions for RFWA. The ARAFMI steering committee female domestic servants. Sadly she died set to work to raise funds and find a in a car accident on the day of her re- hirley Smith, a social worker with Coordinating Chaplin at Rottnest Island suitable property. A house had come on election in 1939.75 A 16 story office block many years’ experience at ARAFMI which he had taken on in 1982; a post he to the market in Bassendean, with many S built by the Public Works Department in and an ex-RFWA Board member was was to hold until 2006.77 By this time RFWA large rooms and a wide veranda. A short 1967 at 32 St George’s Terrace, as well as appointed Director in 1984, upon Michael had three houses up and running; Ruth walk from a railway station, corner shop a small playground in Mann Way, bear her Rowdon ’s retirement.76 Michael was then Downer House was still staffed 24 hours a and service station, 4 Mann Way was ideal name and memory. able to focus on his new clergy role as day, also supporting nearby group home

52 53 Sharing the Journey Chapter 4 / Getting on with the job (1980-1990)

Hillview. DELTA also required full time aims to create an environment similar to staff supervision. Commonwealth funding that faced by those living independently. requirements and the Hospitals and Shirley and staff worked hard with many Health Service Act 1927 both demanded residents, particularly those younger 24 hour staffing for all licensed hostels. people at DELTA who had come from Shirley gives credit to the staff who worked families where parents battling with FREMANTLE for the organisation at the time, who a challenging child had been unable took on 8, or sometimes 12, hour shifts, to teach them the basics of domestic including nights, for minimum wages. If a care. The road to independence can be staff member called in sick, Shirley and winding, and the destination different husband Chris would often provide cover. for all. Whilst people are encouraged to t is 1987 and Fremantle Hospital Another significant contribution from the In 1985 another house was added in North graduate to living alone, for many the peer Iis looking for support for its long- Commission was the grant to purchase a Perth, owned and jointly operated by support provided in a group home can term patients with residual psychiatric property at 108 Shepperton Road in 1987 Casson Homes, however the arrangement be invaluable in a recovery journey.78 The disabilities. With a Commonwealth Grant of that backed onto Ruth Downer House and ceased a few years later. interpersonal dynamics in any house are $150,000 burning a hole in the hospital’s provided low level support for residents often testing, and group and therapeutic pocket, it turned to RFWA who had by who were ready to take the next step in Ten years in, and the day-to-day homes are no exception. now established themselves as experts independence, as a licensed lodging running of a therapeutic community in the field, offering a philosophy that was house. This was part of the Independent environment still produced some delicate Places at a RFWA house have gaining interest. With a funding deadline Living Program which had started management challenges. The self- always been at a premium, and many to meet, the group had to move quickly, earlier in 1981 with the assistance of the determination model requires residents to Directors reflect on the pain of turning and when two adjoining properties, 56 and Department of Community Welfare, to take responsibility for their own cooking, potential residents away in an effort to 58 Glyde Street (‘Jansen’ and ‘Kingston’) assist people with finding the money for a cleaning and laundry, with support. Shirley maintain harmony, or just being unable in East Fremantle became available bond or letting fee to move into their own remembers the Board of Visitors coming to find a spare bed. In a traditional they were quickly purchased for $99k place. Another similar facility, referred to at through to be greeted with dirty dishes hostel environment the consideration of and $112k respectively, without having the time as a ‘three quarter home’ was also stacked in sinks and piles of laundry. Such relationships are a luxury rarely afforded, gained relevant approvals. The inevitable rented in 1985 and set up in Nedlands, for was the struggle with a commitment to and time taken to teach everyday living complications ensued, and many months a period around this time.79 the therapeutic residential model, which skills an indulgence. were spent in negotiation with the Council In 1989 Shirley Smith passed the and local residents. Community prejudice Directorship to Warwick Smith (no against anyone with mental illness was relation), who had been working previously still very much alive and well; in Fremantle as a coordinator at Ruth Downer House. coming in the form of vicious poison-pen Shirley was acknowledged for her work letters put in the homes’ letterboxes. by being awarded a life membership of The Director and a small team (assistant the organisation. By now there were three Joan Hancy, fundraiser Phyllis Rothbury, different sites to manage: Victoria Park, and a part-time accountant) were working Bassendean and Fremantle, with a staff from a ‘sleepout’ at Hillview at the time, of 16 full-time workers.80 In an attempt doing their best with limited resources to create a normal living experience, in place. Valued assistance came from the organisation somehow managed to the Lotteries Commission which included provide an annual holiday for residents. money for a minibus for Fremantle, Warwick recalls trips to Rottnest, Kalbarri and help with sorting out fencing. and Margaret River.

54 55 Sharing the Journey Chapter 4 / Getting on with the job (1980-1990)

Staffing and funding were still perpetual episodes. With no award in place until problems for Directors over the 1980s. later in the 1990s, the work was poorly Therapeutic homes such as Ruth Downer paid and staff could lack the training House, DELTA and East Fremantle were and backup support required to deal staffed 24 hours a day, with a coordinator with challenging situations. In a sector on duty from 8.30-4.30 on weekdays. that was still slowly coming through the Assistant coordinators often worked a 16 deinstitutionalisation process, Directors hour shift, and weekend shifts ran for a full carried a lot of responsibility for driving 24 hours – 9am to 9am.82 Maria Harries forward the therapeutic model into the recalls having a student whilst lecturing staff psyche. Lynette Clayton, a highly in social work at UWA during this period regarded psycho-dynamic psychologist who was also employed independently as (or the ‘therapist’s therapist’) would come an assistant coordinator at Fremantle.83 to RFWA to help train staff on a monthly Working alone at night, he frequently basis in Warwick Smith’s time, providing encountered violent and traumatising valuable guidance.

There was one trip down south where they were camping in the local camping ground. Doing what everyone else was doing. It was a powerful message for them - they were just part of the community and they just fitted right in. It embodied the message of doing the sort of every day, ordinary things like other people. Many of them hadn’t done or had experiences like this before in their lives.”

Warwick Smith81

56 57 Sharing the Journey Chapter 4 / Getting on with the job (1980-1990)

Unfortunately, the funding model in and the purchase of the Shepperton Road place at the time was by now failing to group home. The Commission was at this support the level of service that many time going through significant growth in residents required. During this period the its business due to the installation of Lotto Commonwealth Department of Community machines and advent of computers. The Services and Health (via the Disability Lottery Commission’s Board were also Services Act) provided a subsidy of starting to get letters from a whole range of 50% of staff costs, with Department of newly established community groups with Health Funding at $1.50 per head per whom they had no previous knowledge. day coming through the Community They had just appointed Jan Stewart to Psychiatric Division. Other income had to undertake grant application assessments come from residents’ rent and fundraising. and later to set up a formalised grants application process. Most community The Lotteries Commission had also groups worth their salt quickly became helped along the way, funding the new accustomed to the processes required to administrative office extension in 1986, seek grants.84

ROLLCALL, 1987

Ruth Downer House, Victoria Park 15 beds Staffed Maximum 1 year Hillview, Victoria Park 7 beds Unstaffed Maximum 2 years DELTA, Bassendean 11 beds Staffed No time limit Jansen, East Fremantle 4 beds Staffed Maximum 3 years Kingston, East Fremantle 4 beds Staffed Maximum 3 years Shepperton Road 5 beds Unstaffed No time limit

A further property at North Perth was also being partly operated by RFWA at this time, on behalf of Casson Homes.

58 59 CHAPTER 05

In 1992 all Australian governments agreed to adopt a Mental Health Policy, which combined with the recently formed Statement of Rights and Responsibilities, and a commitment to five-year Mental Health Plans, formed Staying Alive 85 the Mental Health Strategy. Mental health had made it on to the national agenda. Now the move had (1990-2005) ‘teeth’, and all the states and territories were signed up to comply. At the core of this first plan was the emphasis on community-based care and decreased reliance on psychiatric hospitals. Arrangements between he 1990s were a time of significant reform for mental health in Australia, more so Commonwealth and state governments than ever before. Criticisms were directed towards the inadequate resourcing of T to provide for mental health services mental health services in relation to the rest of the health field. The inadequate number are complex and shifting. Although of practitioners to meet need was becoming increasingly apparent. traditionally the states were providers of health services, over the last fifty years the Commonwealth has been incrementally assisting the states more and more with the financial responsibility Invisible disability brochure of mental health care provision. cover, seeking public support.

60 61 Sharing the Journey Chapter 5 / Staying Alive (1990-2005)

BURDEKIN REPORT

An increasing public awareness a mental health service issue, towards was developing in the 1990s at a one that is understood, acknowledged national level too - both as a result of and addressed by the wider community. the Burdekin Report, and the National Depression is predicted to be the leading Mental Health Strategy. The increased cause of burden of disease by 2030, spotlight of the media, who were at ahead of heart disease.91 Subsequent n 1993 the Australian Human Rights By 1995 in Western Australia, the Court the time graphically describing the initiatives such as Headspace and Sane and Equal Opportunity Commission Liberal Government had initiated a review I consequences of inadequately funded have followed suit. released their report, Human Rights and and reform of WA mental health care, and organised services,90 made it a Mental Illness: Report of the National in line with the National Mental Health In 2001 the Commonwealth Department difficult issue to ignore. Inquiry into the Human Rights of People Strategy. A state Disability Services Act of Health launched the Better Outcomes with Mental Illness, which commonly was enacted in 1993, and the Mental The second National Mental Health in Mental Health Care programme in became known as ‘The Burdekin Report’, Health Act revised in 1996. A Mental Plan in 1997 built on the first, and put a recognition of the important role of named after the then Human Rights Health Division was also created within the focus on expanding work in mental illness general practitioners in managing mental Commissioner, Brian Burdekin.86 The Health Department, to enact significant prevention. Along came ‘Beyond Blue’ in health problems and to enable team report, coming in at just under 1000 changes in line with the larger national October 2000, in line with the World Health arrangements for referral of patients to pages, had been three years in the agenda. Over $40m of additional state Organization’s projections of an increasing allied health services. Now everybody production and highlighted a raft of funds were targeted over a three year global burden caused by depression. could access mental health help easily woeful inadequacies in mental health period to expand community based The aim of Beyond Blue was to move the and privately, with just a visit to the GP. care in Australia at that time. It concluded services, and a greater transparency focus on depression away from being just that people affected by mental illness of where and how money was being suffered from widespread systemic spent was put in place.87 Although the discrimination and were consistently moves were lauded by the sector and denied the rights and services to which community, the shift did set about a new they were entitled. Of note, the report set of challenges for carers, with many also made reference to the Richmond beginning to present to organisations such Fellowship in Victoria, heralded as a rare as ARAFMI with increasingly complex receiver of consumer satisfaction. issues and levels of stress.88 In his letter to the Attorney General that Nationally, between 1993 and 2002 accompanied the submission of the report, there had been a significant increase Burdekin wrote: “Given the numerous and in spending on mental health of 65%, serious breaches of human rights which up to $3.1bn (Australian Government are identified, we respectfully request that $1.21bn, states and territories $1.98bn the Government give urgent consideration and private health insurers $148m).89 So to the report and to the recommendations the story goes… however on the ground, we have made.” The Keating Labor at the frontline of mental health service government of the day had no choice but provision, funding was still definitely to commit to a solid plan of reform which considered lacking, intermittent, and could live up to the promises of the Mental bureaucratic to secure. Health Strategy produced the year before.

62 63 Sharing the Journey Chapter 5 / Staying Alive (1990-2005)

The consumer movement that had 1990 was also the year that John Casson gathered strength in the 1980s, was decided it was time for him to bow out evolving too. For the first time structures and resigned from the Board after fifteen were being put in place to make sure the years of honorary involvement. He was voices of service users and their carers subsequently awarded life membership in were being heard. Many organisations recognition for his significant contribution. began to commit to including A new building was erected on the representatives from these groups on grounds of the Bassendean facility that their boards and committees, as a matter year, providing four new bedrooms and of course. The strenuous efforts of state a staff office. Two new group homes, in and national community groups (such as Anzac Terrace Bassendean and 2 Teague ARAFMI, Western Australian Association Street in Victoria Park also came on line. for Mental Health, Mental Illness In 1991 Peter Lammas hesitantly took Fellowship of Western Australia, then on the role of Director of RFWA.93 Although the Mental Illness Fellowship) had been without a professional mental health the backbone of slow and steady reform background, he quickly connected with across the entire sector, focussing minds the issues faced by residents and found on rights, justice and integration.92 deep empathy with many, particularly for residents, who would develop their Whilst always obliged to work within Warwick Smith left RFWA in 1990 and families and carers. Peter reflects that this own personal recovery strategy. The staff the medical model and in partnership was replaced for a short term by Jack was a time of new levels of accountability; worked hard at this time to cement the with psychiatric professionals, Directors Mansveld. It wasn’t an easy role to fill; one from funding bodies, and also from within principles of the Richmond Fellowship’s such as Peter strove to support clients observer commented that the organisation the organisation. Processes were put in approach; taking responsibility for actions, in a holistic manner, using a humanistic appeared to ‘eat its CEOs’ in those days. place to establish goals and objectives and not using illness as a ‘crutch’. approach to help pick up and rebuild the pieces of life after a mental health Managing medication brought its crisis. The contribution of peer support many challenges, with drugs of the day within the shared environment is for many still inducing debilitating side-effects that also an integral part of this personalised have since been lessened somewhat. relationship-driven approach.

If you look at some of the therapeutic community’s principles, it operated within the recovery framework, even though it wasn’t named ‘recovery’ – it was using normalisation principles – about getting people back into friendships, jobs and living meaningful lives. Richmond Fellowship was a very progressive organisation.”

Warwick Smith94

64 65 Sharing the Journey Chapter 5 / Staying Alive (1990-2005)

As the Board of Management almost quasi-volunteer capacity. Although It was around this time when the organisation chose transitioned into being a Board legitimate volunteers contributed heavily to lose the label ‘half-way house’. Reducing the impact of Directors, carer and consumer in the early days, this had been gradually of stigmatisation, which labels help to create, has been a representation became an important phased out. Being pre-award, pay rates constant objective for the Richmond Fellowship. component of the membership. Starting were minimal and many staff, driven by Peter Lammas moved on, and the search for a new with James Kennedy in 1996, other a conviction for the concept, worked well Director, or CEO as the role then became, began in consumers including Jeremy Williams, beyond expectation. Inevitable clashes earnest. Not an easy job to fill, long-standing Board Erica McLaughlan, Susan Gane, with the unions ensued; it was difficult to member Noreen Paust became caretaker for six months Digby Munro and Dr Matthew Carter reconcile the worthy mindset of staff with until the right candidate could be found. have continued to make valuable the ‘on paper’ extremely poor working contributions to the management and conditions. Management faced a constant direction of RFWA.95 conundrum: trying to raise staff calibre to meet service expectation, yet not having By the early 90s industrial relations VISION enough money to pay degree-qualified had started to heat up, and the working workers. conditions for staff (mainly non-qualified To provide services to people with in those days) were beginning to be In the early 1990s funding shifted addressed. Staff had to share a bathroom from a Federal responsibility to State mental illness which allows for self- with clients, which came into question. management that bought inevitable enhancement of their lives, being able to Being in old houses with very large recalibration and adjustments. By 1994 the rooms, many residents also had to WA Disability Services Commission and live independently, characterised by self- share bedrooms, which in time became Health Department had control of RFWA’s determination and mutual support. unacceptable for a funded NGO service funding supply, which had previously provider. Without access to capital to come directly, in the greatest part, from improve facilities, it was their cross to bear. the Commonwealth Department of Health, Housing and Community Services. Peter Lammas recalls that at this time, many who worked for RFWA did so in an Denise Bayliss eventually took over as Director in 1995, with the position being renamed CEO in 1996. Denise had come from the Activ Foundation and with experience in research, development and operations, oversaw the practical management of Funding has always been a problem, but you can’t RFWA’s residences, responding with confidence to let that get to you. Whilst you could whinge all day the shifting needs of the organisation. Denise and office manager Charlene Fernandez, with the support about the funding you just had to get on with the job of a part-time accountant, were the sole management and just had to manage with what you had. … If you staff, operating out of the office at the rear of Hillview. Charlene had been around since Peter Lammas’ have kids in need people will flock and if you have day and took on responsibility for a vast range of animals in need people will flock to the cause, but if administrative tasks in her time at RFWA, which lasted until 2006. By 1998 staff were organised into teams you have people with a mental illness - no sympathy.” (Victoria Park, Bassendean and East Fremantle) who each managed a therapeutic community, shared/transitional accommodation, and supported Peter Lammas independent living in their area.

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Elly Jansen made her last visit to Perth was sore for days). Elly wrote back to in April 1996, spending time at all the the team at Hillview commenting on her homes, and attending a cocktail party disappointment at the level of cleanliness hosted by the residents at Hillview. David in the house on this visit and making Shearer offered Elly lodging at his place suggestions for ways to improve the on one of her visits, which turned out to problem. Her missive was not met with Despite having a mild intellectual friends from Men’s Shed. He couldn’t be one of his grandchildrens’ bunk beds great welcome, but if anyone was qualified disability as well as some mental hide his joy! As Ian was busy getting (she quietly mentioned to some her back to pass such comment, it was Elly. health issues, Ian worked really used to his new environment in hard to improve his life since he Subiaco Residential Units, he wanted came to RFWA. to get involved in more competitive In the three years since his arrival, he work than the volunteer position established a new social network and he maintained. He always dreamed of working in a coffee shop, and DUAL DIAGNOSIS learned to come together with people. He is now part of a social circle and when a volunteer position came up has proven to be a very social and at the Uniting Care West Crossroads independent person who is heavily “Warehouse Café”, he completed the rish Ryans-Taylor had joined RFWA in November involved in the community. required training and filled the role. T1996, firstly in operations support and then moving to the role of financial controller in 1997. She also began Having spent a few months in Ian is proof that anything is possible the first of a number of projects that aimed to support and can now spend his days having the complex needs of people who had an intellectual the Subiaco Residential Units, his disability, as well as a diagnosed mental illness (dual achievements were celebrated a great time, while making a positive diagnosis). Nova Vita (New Life) was created as a home this year with a party to mark the contribution to the community. in 1998 for two young men who both received $60k a year from the Disability Services Commission, which enabled milestone and all Ian has achieved. a joint venture with Homeswest to be set up. The funds enabled the employment of three staff and Lotterywest Ian invited his friends and key provided money for furnishing. A house in Lockridge people who have been supporting was supplied and named ‘Pepperwood’. The first task him, including staff from Crossroads for new staff was to paint the house (however the work probably didn’t appear in their job descriptions).96 Whilst Uniting Care West and one of his the programme was very successful for one resident, it Residents’ artwork on did not work out for others. The home later relocated to display at Subiaco. Subiaco, when a purpose-designed pair of townhouses was built to provide staff accommodation and a home Ian, Subiaco, 2012/13 for life for two men, who made significant gains in their recovery during their time with the service.

68 69 Sharing the Journey Chapter 5 / Staying Alive (1990-2005) INDUSTRIAL CHANGES

tretching the budget was way of life, Eventually the new ‘Richmond Fellowship Sand by the time Denise Bayliss came Award’ was finalised with the union which on board the strain had inevitably taken its curiously closely mirrored the agreement toll on staff spirits. Although management Denise and Trish had been working on were always keen to provide workers with earlier. Nevertheless, the net result was a the best possible wages and conditions, vastly improved set of conditions for staff, it was always a struggle. Denise set which were now formally recognised for about negotiating a new bespoke pay their qualifications, time of service and award with the Australian Services Union willingness to do shift work. The award (SACS sector) for RFWA staff, however for staff also gave RFWA, in theory, when talks broke down, Denise and greater leverage to negotiate for improved Trish Ryans-Taylor commenced work on funding, to meet the now regulated pay an enterprise bargaining agreement to and conditions. try and set standards in place in 2006.

Westminster wasn’t just a ‘go to’ place for us, … VISION it was something of a lifesaver for the patients Accommodation and support for themselves, because otherwise they would just have struggled to get out of hospital, as there were very people with mental illness – few places that could engage some people. They re-building lives. were very flexible.”

Dr Nathan Gibson97 GIVE ME A BREAK – RESPITE

y the late 1990s, respite care household community. The service is still The other pressing need was short- that could be provided. In order to be Bavailable for families and carers of in operation today, providing crisis care term care for young people in crisis. accepted children had to be referred adults and children suffering with mental with 24 hour support for residents who A building project in St James was directly from the Bentley Adolescent illness was being recognised as a vastly can stay for up to three months. Nathan commissioned with Homeswest, getting Unit, so were sometimes admitted to the under-met demand. Gibson was working as a psychiatrist crucial design input by RFWA just in Unit purely as a formality to gain access at Graylands in the early 2000s and time. Unfortunately the service did not to the service, often commencing self- Denise Bayliss negotiated with remembers how difficult it was for inpatient last, as the high needs of residents harm behaviour as inpatients. Homeswest to access a property in services to access non-government were simply beyond the level of staffing Westminster where care could be agencies at the time. provided, but residents would still be expected to participate as part of a

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Staff are very supportive and I felt to secure accommodation and much better in myself all around. live independently. I have been I now feel healthy enough that off medication for my anxiety and I feel no problem looking for a depression ever since. job, a house and whatever I need. When my stay ended, I was able

Andrew, Westminster Resident, 2008/09

DELTA’S SUNSET

hings were not going so well at DELTA in Bassendean. Expectations By 1998 Ruth Downer House had also virtually dried up. However as ever, timely Tfrom ARAFMI were that the home would be able to provide become unviable. As an old building grants from Lotterywest kept the basics in permanent accommodation for its residents giving parents peace with wooden stairs and dated design, place.99 Jan Stewart remembers visiting of mind, however this went against the objectives of the Richmond it was deemed a fire hazard and the Teague Street at this time and finding Fellowship, and resulted in inevitable management difficulty. With Licensing Standards and Review Unit at the atmosphere kind and supportive, but large rooms, the old home was tricky to operate for the purpose, and WA Health advised that it must be staffed although kept as well as possible, the another difficult decision was eventually made to demolish it and rebuild 24 hours a day, which was just too costly. property to be very run down. Lotterywest purpose-designed facilities on the site, alongside the new house next Although still operating as a therapeutic did their best to provide funds to help with door at number 6. As a building with historical significance, the proposal environment, staff members were only new furniture and anything else where was met with resistance from the family of May Holman, however the onsite during the day, and on call at all needed. Jan strongly believes that a poor decision was eventually supported by the Council and permission other times. By this time the Award was in environment sends a message that its granted to demolish the old homestead at number 4 Mann Way. place for staff, finally enjoying the rights of inhabitants are not worthy. The house was annual wage increases, shift penalties and also often broken into, with valued items The Fellowship entered into a Housing Joint Venture Agreement other benefits. Management battled for a such as the stereo system vanishing. With with the Homeswest in 1998 that met the costs of building the three time to meet this 24-hour staffing demand, true resilience staff kept spirits high with new residences, and took a 63% share in the venture.98 Denise but it was simply impossible to fulfil with Karaoke nights and parties. managed to get her own purpose-planned designs for the three homes the existing resource levels. accommodating 12 long-term residents through Homeswest’s design team, to her delight and their grumbling. The new houses were opened Times were tough, and money for extras in 2000 by the then Health Minister, John Day MLA. such as outings and entertainment had

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Since I came to Richmond Fellowship at Richmond Fellowship, I take my in 2000 I have found that my life has medication and have fun. improved. I go to work at Westcare Supported accommodation is good Industries and I go to Grow and I as we have staff 24 hours a day and get out a lot on weekends. I go on having that support is good as we outings with staff at Westcare and I can talk to staff anytime we want to if go out on my own to movies and the the need arises, and we get help with A public relations executive joined a lot of work, sadly often resulting in a RFWA for a while, and attempted to boost fairly token return. Denise’s father Bob internet café. I have a really good time shopping and chores. the coffers with fundraising events such and husband-to-be Andrew took care of as quiz nights at Victoria Park and Mount maintenance for a minimal amount, or often Lawley Bowling Clubs, along with other no pay. When staff were sick or left at short raffles, dinners and sponsorship. RFWA notice, it was still not unusual for Board Phillip, 2005/06 ‘stress balls’ were even sold through Home members to step in and fill a gap. Building Society. Fundraising involved

An internal strategic review and restructure in 2000 attempted to I remember going to one of the houses to help out address the ongoing funding shortfalls and operational problems. After much lobbying the Department of Mental Health commissioned an when they were short staffed… What a privilege… external funding review, and an extra $50,000 was added to the annual The people were all also dedicated and passionate. subsidy. It also recommended an increase in fees paid by residents, which saw a number leaving and empty beds, for the first time ever. Sometimes it was frustrating of course, but what Denise Bayliss was instructed to drop the luxury of a daily newspaper organisation isn’t?” delivery for staff and residents.

Carol Reid100

In late 1998 the difficult decision process, a quantity was sold to other had been made to sell the much loved parties, and on the retained land, three VISION but unworkable Ruth Downer House, purpose-designed houses were built - and capitalise on the high value of the administration, male and female houses To provide accommodation, rehabilitation property to free up capital for future - in a joint venture with Homeswest. developments. Residents and staff were Queens Park was finally opened in 2003 and support to assist in the recovery of moved a few doors down to Hillview, by Governor John Sanderson, providing taking over the old group home facility. a home for residents for around a year or people living with mental illness. The property was auctioned, and a large sometimes two, with staff on board from parcel of land acquired the next year in nine to five, Monday to Friday. Queens Park. Following a subdivision

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With some money in the bank, and deliver became a large part of staff and Hillview also up for sale in 2003, it was management’s daily work. Terms like time to find a new office. A facility at ‘productivity’, ‘service delivery’, and 1/1159 Albany Highway was purchased ‘competencies’ began to appear in and for the first time the RFWA reports and correspondence. Years of management and administration had submitting forms to the Department of its own building. By this time around 80 Social Services’ Licensing Accreditation people were being supported by the Support Unit on a weekly basis for meagre organisation – those in accommodation bed subsidies was one administrative task and others in group homes and on their too many, and Denise negotiated a block journey back into the community. In funding arrangement – to then hear that January 2003 the Richmond Foundation other hostels still getting weekly subsidy was established, to encourage had been awarded a higher rate. After ten fundraising and philanthropy. tough years CEO Denise Bayliss decided it was time for her chapter at RFWA to Accountability was now the name of draw to a close. But who would want to the game, and the need to report and take on the job?

76 77 CHAPTER VISION To be at the forefront in providing innovative and person-centered 06 environments for recovery. Today, Western Australia’s spend is of the lowest rates of seclusion in acute $243.32 per capita on mental health. hospitals. Breaking Added to this is the additional national In Western Australia the Mental Health spend of $112.48 on mental health-related Commission was created in 2010, and services, and $37.95 on PBS/RPBS per Eddie Bartnik appointed as the first Mental capita.103 WA also has the highest level of Health Commissioner. The Commission FTE staff employed in mental health care quickly set about producing a strategic Boundaries services in Australia, at 126.1 per 100,000 vision for mental health and published of the population. Interestingly, WA also a reform blueprint; Mental Health 2020: (2005-2015) has the lowest proportion of ‘involuntary’ Making it Personal and Everybody’s mental health care in the country, and one Business, in 2011.

Establishing the Mental Health Commission was important in tate expenditure on specialist mental $173m to mental health to implement terms of naming issues, transparency about budget, dedicating Shealth services in Western Australia its Mental Health Strategy 2004-07, with building of the non-government sector and of community support has increased over the last twenty years to mental health then accounting for 9% of now be at the highest rate in the country. the total health budget.102 By 2007 new infrastructure. So really, it was a period of very substantial In the early 1990s per capita spend on major Federal programmes aimed at development of capability of the non-government sector. If mental health was $72 both nationally supporting people to live independently and in WA. By 2003 WA was averaging in their own homes where possible, were you look at all the previous mental health documents, they $119 per capita, compared with $100 also coming online. Mental health was now were all about ‘patients’ and ‘illness’ and ‘services’, with a bit nationally.101 In 2005 the WA Gallop Labor clearly on the public agenda. of community stuff thrown in at the end. Whereas, our whole Government allocated an additional paradigm threw it around the other way: people, family and communities, and around a ‘big partnership’ out in the whole community. It’s a very big shift.”

Eddie Bartnik104

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I am really pleased that people are now Stigma is still an issue, even talking freely about depression, because though (it is) now recognized it’s only now that I can talk about it... Only as such and talked about in the one of my employers over the past 20 years community. It’s one thing to knew that I suffered from depression. He understand it ‘in theory’, but was a friend, but I would never tell any another to incorporate learning other employer that I had it.” of this sort in attitudes and day- to-day practices. However, it is a Diana Warnock AM107 step forward to have the issue ‘on the agenda’ if not ‘in the mind and heart’ of us all.”

Dr Geoff Gallop AC109 Four years later, Eddie finished his term the community at large. Building on the and handed over the role to the current launch of Beyond Blue in 2000, other Commissioner Tim Marney, who brought awareness-raising campaigns, and the with him his own lived experience of Better Outcomes scheme in 2001, gains mental health challenges. A new Mental have certainly been made in tackling the Health Act 2014 was then passed by WA stigma and embarrassment associated Parliament in October that year; updating with mental illness. The relatively recent on the provision of treatment, care and self-disclosure of many well-known support of people who have a mental people who have suffered from mental illness, and providing for the protection illness has helped awareness-raising of their rights. A major report from the enormously. Psychiatrist Patrick McGorry’s National Mental Health Commission was achievement as Australian of the Year in also published at this time that highlighted 2010 for his services to youth and mental a raft of structural shortcomings, despite health delivered praise and attention to the People find it very difficult to understand what the the Commonwealth budget allocation field. of $10 bn on mental health.105 There are support needs are, because it seems that people Peter Lammas, Director from 1990- still numerous failings for the 3.6 million 1995, compares today with his time, should be able to take responsibility for their own Australians sourcing mental health when educated and ‘stable’ people were services in Australia, where the estimated lives, and why can’t they? A lot of people in public rarely likely to be identified as suffering direct and indirect costs of mental ill- from mental health challenges.106 Many of life still think that way. It has changed in recent health total around $40 bn. Amongst Peter’s clients came from economically other reforms, a focus on recovery-based years, but there is still a vestige of that, and is and educationally challenged community support is now considered backgrounds, and often struggled with because of the strong stigma that still pertains.” crucial. the skills required to gain insight into their 2005-2015 has also been a decade illness and situation. of shift in mental health awareness in Keith Wilson108

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ill Bennett, an experienced programme manager at Upon starting as CEO Joe was initially a lived experience and their families. The BRFWA acted up as CEO from March to July 2005, struck by how ‘downtrodden’ the sector education role was initiated by having until the right person to lead the organisation into its seemed, and how the human rights of Tony Morrison MBE (1953-2010) from next phase could be found. Joe Calleja came from a consumers and family members were the UK come to Perth to run Emotional background in social justice and was just the man for barely being acknowledged. A succession Intelligence and Leadership and the job. of deficit budgets that predecessor Denise Supervision training for the broader NGO Bayliss had valiantly managed, had been sector under the auspices of RFWA.2006 Joe was a social worker by profession and came inflicted by years of underfunding. The to 2008 was another time of intense growth to his new role at RFWA from a senior executive organisation was not in great shape. and change in mental health, and at RFWA government position, having also previously worked particularly. As funding for programmes for Anglicare in the non-government sector. He had Joe Calleja stressed to the RFWA Board gradually came online, Joe was able to a long history of involvement with bodies such as the that to survive they must lift their profile lead RFWA to a new plane, expanding Australian Association of Social Workers, the Australian and diversify their offering. The Board the service offering to consumers beyond College of Social Work, the National Marriage and accepted two recommendations: that therapeutic community-accommodation, Family Council, the Institute of Public Administration of RFWA engage in providing education and and making a significant impact on the WA and had also been on the Board of the WA Council training programs, and that it introduce wider mental health sector through the of Social Services (WACOSS). the Hearing Voices Network into Australia. promotion of progressive approaches to These two actions enabled RFWA to take Week one in the job and Joe was immediately recovery. In keeping with the previous a leadership role in the field, develop a challenged to confront his understanding of mental CEO’s involvement, Joe was elected to profile beyond the sector and generate illness by Ron Coleman and Karen Taylor, international the Board of the WA Association of Mental an income stream which created new thought leaders in recovery and hearing voices, who Health and eventually became President. Joe Calleja opportunities and options for people with had been invited to Perth by Bill Bennett.

I had not worked in mental health before, however I had always worked in jobs that interfaced with mental health such as in child protection, family relationships, disability services, justice and so on. At the end of that (first) week I decided to enter into an agreement with Ron and Karen to bring them back to run further programs to challenge thinking in the sector. We have continued this relationship over the past ten years.”

Joe Calleja

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I think it’s the direction of change that has been By this time Joe had convinced the When the new mentor and carer support important, and again I think this will be important to Board to RFWA engaging in education services were launched in 2007/08, RFWA and training as a strategy, sponsoring were successful in winning a number of RF continuing their growth, in the sense that I would the Hearing Voices Network in Australia, tenders that signalled a major growth see the direction of travel is against communal living and adopting a new strategic plan and spurt for the organisation, after such a new logo (removing the house from the long period of being locked into funding and towards supporting people in their own homes. existing logo and only having the letters RF limitations. It also coincided with a decision I think RF has seen that direction of travel. I think in the title with the new Recovery First tag to move from their owned premises in line). In 2006 the organisation’s branding, Albany Highway Bentley to larger leased they’ve really moved with it. Looking not only at how brochures and annual report-style were premises at 32 Burton St Cannington, they develop those outreach services, but also how redesigned, signalling the facilitating operation of the PHaMS and new era ahead. ‘People Carer Respite programs. The new space they change and refigure some of their accommodation can and do recover’ from also allowed for the training programmes services to be much more ‘this is your place’.” mental illness became that were now being offered too. Richmond Fellowship the driving principle Western Australia Diversification and growth required communicated to the sector more muscle in-house, and new roles in and business community. Dr Rachel Perkins, OBE110 corporate services were created to develop Recognition for the hard work soon paid governance and administrative processes. off, with RFWA awarded as winner of two Further expansion of the executive team categories in the Western Australian Mental and staff took place in 2010 with the Health Good Outcomes Awards in 2007. opening of Ngulla Mia, and again with the I moved into the Richmond Fellowship accommodation with the support Partners in Recovery tender win in 2012. in November 2005 shortly after being I needed to complete my course. I discharged from Bentley Hospital. successfully completed Certificate Before moving into the Richmond 2 in June. Through my chef’s Fellowship my accommodation was recommendation I did one and a half unstable and because of this I found it weeks work assisting chefs doing difficult to pursue my career interest cooking demonstrations at garden in hospitality. While living at the week. Currently I am seeking an Richmond Fellowship I have received apprenticeship to become a chef. I would support and was encouraged to partake like to thank the Richmond Fellowship in a Certificate 2 hospitality course. staff for all their help and support. While studying the Richmond Fellowship provided me with suitable

James, 2005/06

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AKSANA’S STORY – A STUDENT PLACEMENT

My journey with Richmond Fellowship year of a Psychology degree, of which WA began in 2011 when I was a student my current manager encouraged and seeking a practical placement for a inspired me to take on. Being able to mental health certificate I was studying. develop relationships and support After the first week at Queens Park, I felt people with skills that we often take at home. Senior staff members as well for granted, has left me leaving work as our inspirational residents, made me grateful that I have the opportunity to feel welcome and introduced me to the hear the stories from our residents. reality of mental health. Being with our residents puts life into Spending time with staff members perspective for me. It fills me with hope and residents by hearing about their for myself and our residents and the experiences inspired me to take on potential they hold for the rest of their more study. I am currently in my third recovery journey.

Aksana

The home of the RFWA, 2008-2015.

Joe’s got this superb team around him, But it wasn’t all plain sailing. Some In the last ten years, Joe Calleja has tough decisions were made in Joe’s been a loud and insistent voice for mental all of whom think it’s entirely possible to first years, such as disposing of the final health recovery and the RFWA within property in Victoria Park, which really saw the sector. Participating in the work of change the universe. And it’s that very the end of the RFWA’s identity in this area a myriad of State and Commonwealth where it had started its life. Finally in 2014 bodies, making enquiry submissions, much a ‘can do, let’s try it’ attitude. I’m the community at East Fremantle and getting new independent consumer certain that’s why it’s grown so much. The group home in Hilton were also closed. groups off the ground, breaking ground in Therapeutic communities do however thought leadership – the gains achieved diversity of services now is huge.” remain integral to RFWA’s offering, by RFWA, both externally and internally, with residential places at Bassendean, have been systemic. Kelmscott, Queens Park and the South Dr Rachel Perkins OBE111 West still in high demand.

86 87 Sharing the Journey Chapter 6 / Breaking Boundaries (2005-2015) C o MHWA

If you look at what Elly Jansen set up, oe’s first busy year also included intermittent grants, CoMHWA finally Jthe inception of Consumers of locked in funding from the Mental Health the essence was there, she was like Joe. Mental Health of Western Australia Inc Commission in 2012. Today, CoMHWA She looked at what was happening and (CoMHWA). As a solid manifestation and RFWA work collaboratively to give of the consumer movement, the group a voice and provide support to all thought ‘this is ridiculous’. The concept was formed to be led by consumers, consumers of mental health services. of recovery was about people getting for consumers, to advocate for mental health concerns and provide peer their lives back. That was always front support networks. Limping along on and centre for Elly. … Joe was really a change agent. The thing I love about Joe most is that he’s a stubborn git, and when he decides things are going to change, he’s single minded.”

When I came to the Richmond of things. It is having good health Ron Coleman112 Fellowship I was smoking pot every and more self-control. It is a time to day. I did this to escape from reality. overcome fears and set goals for the I soon realised it was making things future. much worse. The Richmond Fellowship has given When I started to slowly come off me that extra support and confidence pot I felt so much better. I felt more I needed. I now know I can have A motivation & happiness in my life. BETTER LIFE! My Recovery process I now know Recovery is possible has been a lot of hard work but it is so because I am on my journey to worth it. success. Recovery to me is a mixture

Brad, 2006/07

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In the ten years after she first knocked closely supported by fellow consumer HEARING VOICES on the door of RFWA, consumer Lyn Marlene Janssen as the first Coordinator. Mahboub has successfully led the Many others such as Amanda Waegeli programme as its Director to become a were also significant in the HVNA’s leader in the sector at a national level, development.

t was Professor Mark Rapley’s (another of Mark’s former students) to Probably a turning point for me would be the Iteaching about the Hearing Voices bring Ron Coleman and Karen Taylor to Approach that inspired the pioneers of Perth in 2005. Ron’s challenge to those 2006 grant to explore the development of the the Hearing Voices Network Australia attending his workshops was to start a Hearing Voices Network; that struck me as really (HVNA) at RFWA. The hearing voices Hearing Voices Network in Australia. This approach seeks to enable acceptance ‘call to arms’ was taken up by graduating significant as it was a very tangible expression of and recovery for people who hear students Jen Stacey and Lyn Mahboub, taking a leading-edge approach on wellbeing in voices (and other perceptions) and both of whom approached the RFWA their families via support for self-help within days of Ron’s workshops and our community – and on influencing community groups, education and awareness. The volunteered to work toward creating a attitudes and finding space for people with mental experience is given validity, and the belief Hearing Voices Network.113 that a personal taking of control can be illness. My observation has been as seeing them achieved. Antipsychotic medication is shift from a very solid service provider, to a change often the front-line treatment offered for voices by traditionalists, and is likely to be agent in WA around awareness raising and support, recommended (or legally enforced) with and different ways of supporting people who have the aim of eliminating voices. Even whilst on the newer atypical antipsychotic drug mental illness. … Joe has been an expensive, and treatments, around half of people with a good customer!” diagnosis of schizophrenia still hear voices and also experience severe, disabling side/direct effects. This combination of 115 Joe Calleja launched the Hearing Jacquie Thomson problems produced a dilemma for both Voices Network Australia in October 2005 voice hearers and service providers. just months after his arrival at RFWA, at the Mark (1962-2012) taught critical same event as the Thirtieth Anniversary As at many times in RFWA’s history, funding, so when the initial grant to set up psychology at Murdoch University and celebrations, at which Premier Geoff Lotterywest were instrumental in getting the Hearing Voices Network up expired in pointedly challenged his students to Gallop spoke. the initiative off the ground. A first grant 2007 RFWA incorporated the operational think deeply about the assumptions and of $387,000 in 2006 was then followed costs of running the network and have Shauna Gaebler of CoMHWA reflects values embedded in the biomedical up with another for $211,000 in 2010, continued to support it since. Still very how the emergence of the hearing model (an approach he coined when RFWA partnered with Job Services much in support of the Hearing Voices voices approach was a major cultural ‘ethnomethodological’). He inspired many Australia to improve the likelihood of movement however, Lotterywest came to shift within the clinical world at the time, to work toward overcoming oppressive employment for people following their first the party once more funding the Voices@ one which is often led by people who institutional discourses and highlight episode of psychosis, with the program Work program in 2012, particularly may have trained up to forty years ago, where power was being used over ‘Pathways to Wellness’. Lotterywest are focussed on helping people to cope with when common practice and concepts vulnerable populations. It was one of not in the business of providing ongoing their voices in a working environment. were very different.114 Mark’s students RFWA worker, Rob Rowe, who encouraged acting CEO Bill Bennet

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ADVOCACY AND TRAINING Act, including limiting a Custody Order shortage of specialist facilities for the of no more than the term of imprisonment appropriate care of people who were to which the person would have been subject to Custody Orders, other than sentenced, and giving judges better prison, was also exposed. The Chair of options when a person stands trial. It RFWA then wrote to the Premier following FWA have consistently placed a meeting in Perth, the first time it had argued that if the government was indeed the Forum. RFWA has since been working heavy value on achieving systemic been held outside Europe, and twinned R serious about human rights and improving with Mental Health Matters2 and the WA change to improve responses to people it with Richmond Fellowship’s ‘Recovery the lives of people with mental ill-health, Association for Mental Health (WAAMH) to with mental health issues. Between from Psychosis’ conference. Also with then it must urgently review the Act, in seek to have the Act amended. 2005 and 2015 RFWA have enabled Lotterywest support, the event really consultation with key stakeholders. The a swathe of recovery thought leaders consolidated RFWA’s leadership in the to visit Perth and share their work to space. the broader sector, including clinical A further $248,000 was awarded by practitioners. “One of the particular things Lotterywest to facilitate the Richmond that Joe used as a strategy which was Fellowship Asia Pacific Conference on more characteristic of RF than any other Mental Health in Perth in 2012, supporting agency, was he bought the international costs for 200 delegates. The Myer voice to Perth, and was very supportive of Foundation have also been a generous consumer empowerment”, reflects Sheryl supporter in the early days, helping take Carmody.116 Visiting speakers include the Network beyond WA interstate to Dr Rachel Perkins OBE, Tony Morrison collaborate with organisations such as the MBE (1953-2010), Rachel Waddington, Prahran Mission. Dr Rufus May, Professor Marius Romme and Dr Sandra Escher, Ron Coleman and RFWA has continued its advocacy Karen Taylor. for consumers and families across many issues, particularly in relation to Commencing in October 2007, the Criminal Law (Mentally Impaired RFWA’s Recovery Training and Education Accused) Act 1996 (CLMIA Act). Many of program has grown and evolved to the 700 local, national and international become a major tool in its objective to delegates at a 2012 Richmond Fellowship advocate for complimentary approaches PEER SUPPORT Conference in Perth were so concerned to to mental illness recovery in Western learn of the legislation that they agreed to Australia. In November 2008 RFWA pass a resolution to forward to the Premier hosted the international INTERVOICE calling for specific amendments to the quiet, but important revolution in were first published by the Department A mental health therapy was going of Health in 2002, and number two on on behind the scenes around the the list was around valuing consumer millennium, regarding the value of peer and carer participation. Sustaining these support. Giving people with a lived values from the outset, RFWA has a experienced of mental illness recognition well-established Consumer and Family for their contribution to helping others Reference Group, and formalised the and shaping services was emerging appointment of a member with lived as something to value. Twelve Practice experience and also carer representative Standards for the mental health workforce to the Board.

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Never opposing psychiatry, self- to the stronger consumer-led approach to Generally speaking, mental health has become a help and peer support were always service delivery that had been adopted. sector where there is a lot of participation between presented as a complement to traditional This perception was eventually dealt approaches. For some years from 2005 with by putting a Medication Statement policy makers and practitioners, families and RFWA could be viewed as being ‘anti- on the website which drew heavily from carers. It’s a pretty ‘alive’ sector. You wouldn’t find psychiatry and medication’ even though the sentiments of the Royal College of this wasn’t the case, but had arisen due Psychiatrists in Britain. that in homelessness or child protection. Mental health and disability are quite unique at that level, because the voice of the consumer of the service is Richmond Fellowship have been very intentional much stronger.” about the importance of peer support and lived experience, and I think they’ve done that in a very Sheryl Carmody118 deep and meaningful way. ... They haven’t been a service provider providing traditional services, they have been looking at the edge of best practice and trying to grow capability and do things differently, in a way that is informed by people with lived experience – as genuine partners. … There REACHING OUT would not be many organisations that could hold

themselves up and say they had been authentic to rom 2007 RFWA began their funded by the (then) Department of those core beliefs.” Fdiversification strategy with the Families Housing, Community Services commencement of outreach service and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), now provision. Supporting more than 270 the Department of Social Services. Aimed Eddie Bartnik117 people to live independently through a at reducing social isolation, PHaMs range of programmes is now an integral provides one-on-one assistance – with role of the organisation, fuelled by both peer support, recovery planning, life skills state and Commonwealth funding. and putting consumers in touch with the Personal relationships between individuals right services. The introduction of PHaMs and specially trained staff are formed was a significant move in the direction through different arrangements that of person-centered mental health care, provide bespoke levels of assistance such and the first step in a more individualised as the Individualised Community Living approach to community-based support. Strategy (ICLS), Personal Helpers and Around 1,500 people are now supported Mentors Service (PHaMS), and Recovery via PHaMs in Western Australia.119 RFWA Outreach Service (ROS) and Partners in began operating PHaMS in the Bentley Recovery (PIR). and Swan service regions in January 2008 and now delivers the service to Introduced Australia-wide in 2007, more than 120 people. PHaMs) is an outreach service Federally

94 95 Sharing the Journey Chapter 6 / Breaking Boundaries (2005-2015) CARER RESPITE

aunched Federally by FaHCSIA in 2008, now DSS, was the carer programme LMental Health Respite: Carer Support, offered through in-home or out-of-home respite and social and recreational activities. Linking to PHaMs, the programme aims to give the cared-for person a quality experience while the carer, often an elderly parent, can take some much needed respite. RFWA started offering carer respite in Since 2013 the Federally funded Commission fund the additional ICLS and 2008, and commenced the service with a series of camps in Margaret River. For many Partners in Recovery (PIR) has been ROS services, which support hundreds participants, being assisted to get through a week living in a foreign environment, away offered by RFWA in the Bentley/Armadale of people via RFWA. Through this range from routine and familiarity, provided an enormous breakthrough. area, helping people with multiple needs of offerings, RFWA has greatly expanded that often fall through the gaps in services, its reach into the West Australian to coordinate the myriad of programmes community, beyond its traditional in-house on offer. The WA Mental Health accommodation services. THE UNSUNG HEROES - A CARER’S STORY

My Recovery didn’t really start until easy. I still drink, but I no longer drink Mental Health Carers can become However, behind the façade of ‘carer’ I moved into Richmond Fellowship until I pass out. isolated, their loved one(s) can often is also an individual with a life and become their priority. In what often life challenges. Mary’s life was never a about a month ago. Before that I was I still spend too much money but I starts off as an honourable and walk in the park, growing up in home drinking excessively. I had just lost always have money for food and rent. I selfless act, their constant focus on with a violent father, she ran away my job and had moved into a lodge am not working but I am studying and their loved one, often leaves them at the age of 15. By the age of 17 she above a pub away from my family. looking for work. So personally I am feeling overwhelmed, unable to put experienced the biggest loss of her Since I moved into Richmond pleased with my Recovery process. themselves first and therefore they life. Underage and unwed, she gave Fellowship, I have stopped drinking My Recovery began at Richmond can neglect their own wellbeing. away her first born and her mother excessively and I have also started Fellowship due to the help, Historically that has often been cut all ties with her. She lost her son going to TAFE. More importantly, understanding and support of encouraged by the lack of help and her family all at once. I have started to learn more about the workers and other tenants and available to families and the push to myself and why I do the things I do. With continued challenges, and after I am extremely grateful change the dynamic with our loved I am a creature of habit and breaking having to adopt out her second child, for their help. ones and become their ‘carers’. my detrimental habits has not been a daughter, Mary’s resilience and For the past 30 years that her son determination culminated with a has experienced learning difficulties number of actions to get her life back Theodore, 2008/09 and mental health challenges, Mary* on track. Before long she had reached has been offering support and love. her goal to become a registered nurse

96 97 Sharing the Journey Chapter 6 / Breaking Boundaries (2005-2015) at the Royal Perth Hospital. She was 10 years she graduated with a Social live his own life and take up the mantle of being in his own 24. Soon after she got married and Work degree. driving seat. had three children. As she gets older, her hope for her Mary praises Sophie, her recovery worker, for giving her 33 years on, she finds herself still son to live a contributing life is emotional support and acknowledges the practical assistance having a front row seat in her son’s strong, although she does worry she receives from the breakaway activities, held by Richmond life as she works hard to keep an that her years of supporting him Wellbeing’s Carer Respite Program. eye on his affairs, encourages him has made him dependant; she Although still hesitant, she sees the spark of dreams alive in to stay active and look after his own worries that he will not cope once her son and believes that soon, she will be able to go back to wellbeing, and most of all follows she is gone. This worry is also shift work as a recovery worker so as to trust her son to grow up to get him appropriate mental accompanied by a burning desire in his own way and become more independent and contribute health support. This is, at times, to live her own fulfilling life and to society in whatever ways this feels right for him. very hard due to the frequent lack of pay more attention to her other two professional mental health assistance. children and grandchildren. However simultaneously that thought terrifies *Mary’s real name was changed to protect her privacy and the Over the 33 years of caring she has privacy of her son. found herself incrementally letting go her and she comes full circle, feels of her own personal plans. She has guilty and questions herself. This wrestled with hard decisions such as cycle for family members/carers is putting aside reconnecting with her not at all uncommon – all too often it two eldest children; worrying that is very hard to even think about how CSRU this might add stress to her other to return the focus to oneself when it two children, as she felt that the has been on doing for loved ones for so long. n 2007 RFWA won a tender for the new Community emotional strains they were facing ISupported Residential Unit (CSRU) programme, aimed were challenging enough. In her This is where Richmond Wellbeing at giving a life back to people currently residing as mental experience, not unlike many family comes in. As for all carers, the support health inpatients or at risk of homelessness, maybe due to the risk of ageing parental care. RFWA opened its first and carers, the mental health system workers are walking alongside Mary site in Busselton, followed by Bunbury in 2008. Residents was not supportive, so working to assist her in owning her emotions were not only supported within their accommodation, but also actively engaged in outside recovery-orientated became impossible. However her and to find the courage to accept that programs provided by local groups. As always, the resilience and determination to keep she is entitled to living a fulfilling ability to work closely with the regional mental health care services was crucial for success. her mind active was ever present life and can learn to ‘let go’. And at and she enrolled in a university. the same time supporting her son to Steadfastly she progressed, and after

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COMMUNITY OPTIONS, I was a resident in Graylands Murchison enjoy using the net—especially emailing KELMSCOTT 2008 for over nine years and my story is one politicians as this makes my voice heard. of success and personal growth. I was raised in the Australian wheat belt Since moving into Richmond Fellowship’s and picked up the art of gardening at a ne of the (five) Key recommendations running of one such facility in Kelmscott. Kelmscott site, I have been able to get back young age, but my gardening skills have Oin the Mental Health Strategy Department of Housing and Homeswest into the community. I learnt how to use improved during this last year as I have 2004-2007, ‘increasing supported built the residence, consisting of two accommodation’, to reduce demand separate purpose-built houses, and the public transport as a young man living in been completing a Cert 1 in Horticulture on acute hospital beds, resulted in the buildings were opened in June 2008 by South Perth and I have tailored this skill to at South West TAFE. Socially, I attend Community Options initiative. Proposed the Minister for Health, the then Hon Jim facilities would provide high-level support McGinty MLA. Today RFWA provides the Kelmscott/Armadale area. a badminton group once a week and, for 30 individuals with long-term needs therapeutic support 24 hours a day for Today I find my own way to the shops, while enjoying the fitness aspect of the who may otherwise have possibly faced a 8 residents in Kelmscott, some with sport, I have really enjoyed getting to life at institutions like Graylands. Suitable dual diagnosis of mental illness and an local library and GP clinic. I also book organisations were invited to bid for the intellectual disability, and supported by my own way to appointments, which I know my fellow group mates. I regularly service, resulting in RFWA taking on the the local Armadale Mental Health Service. would never have thought of doing back attend church and have attended a few in Murchison. parties hosted by my fellow parishioners. Richmond Fellowship were one of the first to Another important achievement has My current direction in life is to get a job! I engage at the tougher end of mental health. … been learning how to live with the believe the skills I have learnt while living (they) won the first tender for Community Options other residents here at Kelmscott. I have in Kelmscott will get me there and I have in Kelmscott, so that was really a defining time I learnt, and am continually learning, the been using a job service provider to help think in the negotiations between inpatient and positives and negatives of every resident me find employment. I am very pleased community services. … They’ve put themselves at and how to communicate with them. with my progress along my recovery journey and I am still progressing each the hard end.” Whilst living at Graylands I noticed day. I would like to thank RFWA for the people using the internet, however, I opportunity to achieve my personal goals Dr Nathan Gibson120 was unsure of how to use it myself. and for providing an environment that has Now I have just purchased a brand new allowed me to improve my self-awareness. laptop computer and will be getting wireless internet. I am extremely proud I will endeavour to continue this process. of my newfound computer skills and

Ben, 2009/10

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VISION A world where people are supported to recover, live well and have a meaningful and contributing life.

VISION P a RK A world that is accepting of the human experience of mental distress. n the tradition of providing a I‘transitional’ service, after the closure of group homes in Bassendean and Hilton, RFWA looked to continue it’s offering to NGULLA MIA people at the final stage of their journey back to the community. Partnering with the team at Peel, Rockingham and Kwinana Mental Health Services (PaRK) in 2014, ten individuals have moved into five two n 2010 the stable of services at RFWA expanded again, to now and three bedroom apartments, while include the operation of a large facility to meet the needs of people I each actively engage in their journey with mental illness in Perth who were at risk of homelessness. Developed supported by a recovery and support by the Mental Health Commission and Department of Housing, RFWA worker. successfully won the tender to operate the service once the build was complete, providing mixed gender supported accommodation in collaboration with the Perth Inner City Mental Health Service. Again, Lotterywest provided funds for the fit out.

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On the matter of funding for mental health services, it would A NEW ERA seem to me governments would not be able to supply the services that the NFP sector provide as they would require massive departments to do so. In that respect I feel the NFP sector therefore provides a significant service for the he last four decades have witnessed stakeholder consultation, focus groups, government. Recognising that they might put up the majority Textraordinary changes in the mental and surveys. A survey into potential names of the funding, it is actually the NFP sector that delivers the health arena, and with that in mind, an and tagline revealed two equally preferred product with these NFP organisations being governed, in the extensive review of the RFWA name names. Both names were put forward to and the brand was conducted. A review the Commissioner of Consumer Affairs and main, by unpaid and voluntary board members. It’s a hidden revealed that Richmond Fellowship’s ‘Richmond Wellbeing’ (RW) was accepted. productivity cost to Australia and it is partnerships like this name has become outdated, and often ‘Sharing the Journey’ received the highest that make countries go around. The funding is there, and as erroneously assumed to have a church- level of preference and was unanimously the Board our role is to make sure that those services get to based connection. chosen as the tagline. Consultations with the people that really need them in the most cost effective and internal and external stakeholders showed An audit by brand agency, Rare that keeping ‘Richmond’ in the new name efficient manner. RW must have been really good at providing Creative, included research into the to be positive, being a tribute to the history those services over the last forty years to have obtained the current brand, internal and external and roots of the organisation. respect that they now have across the mental health sector. It is pleasing to be part of that process.” Mental health is defined as a state of well-being

in which every individual realizes his or her own Eric Baines, Chair (2015)122 potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” Since inception, support from the Looking forward, competition for grants Lotteries Commission, later Lotterywest, from Lotterywest is bound to increase, as has been integral to the RFWA’s survival more NGO service providers move into the World Health Organisation (2015)121 and growth, to the tune of more than mental health space. Likewise, the scope $8.5m over the course of its life – of mental health organisations is also including $4m for a new head office.123 widening, with an increased recognition of CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE? Being a regular recipient in the rigorous conditions such as post-traumatic stress Lotterywest grants award process is in disorder, addictions, and the special itself an expression of credibility. Through needs of youth. Community recipients of many different governments, Lotterywest Lotterywest funding in Western Australia he mental health non-government meet with confidence, in order to retain has supported community groups in WA for are the envy of those in other states, Torganisation sector has grown their competitive edge. The governance over 85 years, with a current grants budget where reduced state governance of significantly over recent years, particularly and strategic direction of NGOs by their of $271m.124 Even when its governing Act betting and lotteries does not reap the in other Australian states, and now also increasingly professional, yet still volunteer was reviewed under the Dowding Labor same public revenue. Unfortunately any in Western Australia. With this devolution board members remains a quiet and Government in 1989, politicians of the day future threat to this secure public grip on of services comes responsibility and massive contribution to the public support voted to keep Lotterywest independent, ownership of the sector is not something expectation that groups such as of people with mental illness. and not just roll its revenue into the that can be ruled out. Richmond Wellbeing will be required to community services budget.

104 105 Sharing the Journey Chapter 6 / Breaking Boundaries (2005-2015)

We gave them $4m for the new corporate offices and I think that’s probably another milestone within the last 40 years … The organisation is at a stage where it needs that sort of presence in the community and to be able to support it in that way is an absolute joy, and it’s terrific that we can.”

Jacquie Thomson125

Likewise, more competition for funding will also take place at a government-level as more service providers come online. RW under Joe Calleja’s guidance is at the forefront of operating in the tender-based model, and whilst they will have to continue to prove their worth to win contracts, their style of operation, strong governance and philosophy is now thought by many to be a benchmark in the sector.126 On the other hand, delivering service outcomes, in line with a contract, may challenge RW’s ability to continue in its advocacy role, which is so integral to its charter and philosophy. Naturally there will be many more challenges. Navigating the shift to personal funding budgets will require a new set of skills – for individuals and service organisations alike. Some in the field suggest that only those providers with enough scale and strength to withstand future competition from the private sector will survive. With a move to individualised funding via the ental health ‘after-care’ in Western Australia has certainly come National Disability Insurance Scheme, the ability of specialist a long way from its benevolent beginnings with a one hundred organisations to continue to provide sector and broader M pound grant to Susan Casson from the Lotteries Commission in 1933. In community education might also be compromised. the words of the current Mental Health Commissioner Tim Marney: “It is The acquisition of a mental health services organisation in the time we transformed our mental health, alcohol and other drug system South West, The Schizophrenia Fellowship of Albany and Districts to provide treatment, care and support closer to where people live and Inc in 2015 heralds the start of potential further expansion into in the community wherever possible.”127 Perfectly positioned, RW, now regional Western Australia. Becoming a larger organisation, as Richmond Wellbeing, are set to use the wealth of insight and experience Richmond Wellbeing has now grown to be, will also test its ability gained over the last forty years, to help deliver exactly that vision in to remain truly connected with the needs and sentiments of service Western Australia. users and staff alike. With growth comes the need for bigger offices, more staff and greater governance. Responding to shifting ideals around accommodation services for recovery also requires flexibility and a willingness to adapt services.

106 107 Richmond Wellbeing's new Central Office Opening Ceremony.

August 2015

108 109 1991 A new Director, Peter Lammas is 2000 With assistance from Homeswest, three Appendix One appointed. new purpose-built homes are built on the Two more group homes, in Anzac Terrace Mann Way site at Bassendean. and at 2 Teague Street Victoria Park, are RFWA invests in its first separate office opened. facility, in Bentley. 1992 Australian governments agree to a shared Beyond Blue is launched Nationally. Forty Years of Growth mental health policy, strategy, and the 2001 The Commonwealth Government launch production of regular five year mental the Better Outcomes programme, aimed health plans. Mental health is now firmly at making front-line early mental health 1973 Elly Jansen first visits Perth, and meets 1979 Recurring Commonwealth and State on the national agenda. counselling accessible to all. with Christian and welfare representatives. funding now in place from DSS and 1993 The Burdekin Report is released, 2002 Third national mental health plan. 1974 The first ever Richmond Fellowship WA Mental Health Services highlighting chronic shortfalls in human 2003 The old group home at 13 Teague Street steering committee meeting is held in 1980 Richmond Fellowship’s UK Patron, HRH rights provision within mental health Victoria Park is sold. February. Princess Alexandra visits Ruth Downer services in Australia. The Richmond Foundation is established, Introduction of Medibank scheme paves House. The Disability Services Act (1993) is encouraging philanthropy and fundraising the way for greater public access to 1981 Together with the Department of passed in Western Australia. revenue, in the face of ongoing funding psychiatric services. Deinstitutionalisation Community Welfare, RFWA commence 1995 Denise Bayliss becomes Director, or challenges. and a shift to community-based mental the Independent Living Programme. CEO, as the head role is now named. A joint venture with Homeswest sees three health services is supported by the ARAFMI and RFWA partner to open 1996 Elly Jansen makes her last visit to Perth, new buildings opened in Queens Park – Whitlam Labor government. DELTA (Designed Environment for Long on her way to the Richmond Fellowship’s for medium-term residents. 1975 First funding received from Term Accommodation) at 4 Mann Way in Asia Pacific forum in Victoria. 2005 After ten years at the helm Denise Bayliss Commonwealth Government, The Lottery Bassendean. Inaugural life memberships are presented steps down and Joe Calleja is appointed Commission and donor Ruth Downer. 1984 Shirley Smith takes over the Directorship. to John Casson, Shirley Smith and Noreen CEO. Richmond Fellowship Western Australia is 1986 Lotterywest supports a new administration Paust. RFWA celebrates its 30th Anniversary. incorporated on the 12th September 1975. building to be built at the rear of ‘Hillview’ Western Australian Court Government Ron Coleman and Karen Taylor first visit 1976 In March the first residents join the in Victoria Park. creates a separate Mental Health Division Perth at the invitation of RFWA, sharing therapeutic community at Ruth Downer 1987 Fremantle Hospital and RFWA partner to within the Health Department. progressive ideas around mental illness House, 9 Teague Street, Victoria Park. purchase and operate a new therapeutic The Mental Health Act (1996) is passed with a series of workshops on recovery 1977 Anglican Priest Michael Rowdon takes community in East Fremantle. by WA Parliament. and voice-hearing. In October RFWA over as Director, and holds the position 56 and 58 Glyde Street are purchased, 1997 The second National Mental Health Plan launches the Hearing Voices Network for eight years. named ‘Jansen’ and ‘Kingston’. is released. Australia, a member of INTERVOICE, with Elly Jansen returns to see how her A second group home is also purchased 1998 Ruth Downer House becomes unviable the support of Lotterywest. philosophy is unfolding in Perth. on Shepperton Road in Victoria Park. due to building codes and staffing RFWA support the establishment of a new 1978 Ruth Downer passes away and the 1989 Shirley hands the baton to Warwick shortfalls. The property is sold and land advocacy group, Consumers of Mental remaining funds from her pledge are Smith, who is promoted from being the purchased in Queens Park, where three Health WA (CoMHWA), which eventually received. coordinator at Ruth Downer House. purpose-designed homes are later built. receives ongoing funding in 2012. 13 Teague Street (‘Hillview’) is purchased 1990 Jack Mansveld briefly takes the A partnership with the Department 2006 COAG commit to significant increases in as the first transitional group home. Directorship. of Community Services establishes funding to mental health. Richmond Fellowship and ARAFMI begin After fifteen years of honorary service, specialist accommodation for individuals RFWA receive significant Lotterywest to run their annual popular ‘Breakthrough’ John Casson resigns from the Board. with a ‘dual diagnoses’ of intellectual and other grants funding including community information talks, providing The prospect of pay awards for staff are disability and mental illness. the Myer Foundation, to assist with the freely available information and support first examined. 1999 Respite services for youth and adults are development of the Hearing Voices around mental illness. A new building is opened on the established in Westminster and St James, Network in Western Australia. Bassendean site, built alongside the however the youth service was to close a The last property Victoria Park is sold. original old house. few years later due to insufficient funding.

110 111 Sharing the Journey Appendix One

2007 RFWA is the winner of two categories appointing Eddie Bartnik as the first and Kwinana) a service commences 2015 WA Mental Health Commission release in the Western Australian Mental Health Mental Health Commissioner. in June providing two-person shared The Western Australian Mental Health, Good Outcomes Awards. 2011 RFWA is awarded a tender to provide accommodation options, assisted by Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan Community Supported Residential Units Individualised Community Living recovery and support workers. 2015-2025 for consultation. (CSRU) opens in Busselton, followed Strategies (ICLS) by the Mental Health Joe Calleja meets Elly Jansen in RFWA celebrates its 40th Anniversary, soonafter in Bunbury. Commission. Richmond, London, and she agrees to the and opens a new head office and training RFWA Administration moves to new HVNA receives direct funding from the production of a short film to capture the centre in Cannington, made possible by leased premises in Burton Street, Mental Health Commission organisation’s vision, which inspired the the valued support of Lotterywest. Cannington. Voices@Work program is piloted, with formation of the Richmond Fellowship. Richmond Fellowship Western Australia Supported Independent Living (SIL) Lotterywest support. The Mental Health Act 2014 is passed by changes its name to Richmond Wellbeing. programme continues to grow. Mental Health 2020: making it personal WA Parliament on 17th October, replacing RW merges with The Schizophrenia 2008 RFWA opens the first ‘Community and everybody’s business is published. the 1996 Act. Fellowship of Albany and Districts Inc, Options’ facility on behalf of the Health 2012 The Richmond Fellowship Asia Pacific July. Department in Kelmscott, providing Conference on Mental Health is held in long-term accommodation with 24 hour Perth with the support of Lotterywest, support for people previously in residence attracting over 700 international at Graylands Hospital. delegates. RFWA hosts the international conference Partners in Recovery (PIR) program of INTERVOICE in Perth, ‘Recovery launched by the Commonwealth from Psychosis’. It’s the first time the Government. RFWA is the only non- conference had been held outside Medicare Local organisation to be Europe and is supported by a Lotterywest awarded the lead agency control in grant. WA, in the Bentley Armadale region. Personal Helpers and Mentors Program PIR provides coordinated support and (PHaMs) introduced Australia-wide in flexible funding to people with severe and 2007 is offered by RFWA in the Bentley complex needs. and Swan regions. National Mental Health Commission is A Carer Respite Program is launched, established. Residential Outreach Services (previously 2013 RFWA continues to develop its SIL) developed, and recovery training and international speaker programme, education programmes are extended. bringing to Perth world renowned New office facilities in 2009 Lotterywest project funding for The specialists such as Dr Rachel Perkins Cannington. Hearing Voices Network ceases, however OBE, Rachel Waddington, Dr Rufus May, the highly successful initiative continues Professor Marius Romme and Dr Sandra to be supported by RFWA. Escher. Ron Coleman and Karen Taylor 2010 On behalf of the Department of Housing, are now regular visitors to Perth, at RF’s RFWA opens Ngulla Mia (‘Our Place’) invitation. in East Perth, accommodating 32 2014 Medium-term residential accommodation people with mental illness at risk of in East Fremantle and the group home in homelessness. Hilton are closed. The WA Mental Health Commission is Community Options long-term established to replace the Mental Health accommodation opens in the South West, Division, responsible for operating located in Bunbury and Busselton. all mental health services in WA, and In partnership with PaRK Mental Health Services, (Peel, Rockingham

112 113 Appendix Two

1997 Bruce Bartlett (Chair), Eric Atkins, Lynn Board Members by Year Isaacs, Howard Beeton, Skip Groman, Kerris Myers, Jan Roberts, Jeremy Williams, Joy Emmeluth, David Shearer Bruce Bartlett (Chair), Lynn Isaacs, Eric Eric Baines (Chair), Monica Holmes, Peter Kennington. Patrons: Dr Richard Ellison, John 1996 2015 Atkins, Howard Beeton, Skip Groman, James Carden, Dr Catherine Pattenden, Shirley Casson, Diana Warnock. Kennedy, Trina MacAdam, Kerris Myers, Jan Lancaster, Gehann Perera, Ann Deck, Vicki Trish Ryans-Taylor (Chair), Lyn Willox, 2006 Roberts. Taylor, Joydeep Chaundrey, Paul O’Farrel, David Shearer, Colin Cleaver, Paul Gurry, Jeff Holt & Bruce Bartlett (Chairs), Eric Alison Vaughan, Gayle Craft, Merv Pegler. Digby Munro, Peter Carden, Eric Atkins, Shirley 1995 Atkins, Trina MacAdam, Noreen Paust, Jan Eric Baines (Chair), Monica Holmes, Dr Lancaster. Patrons: Dr Richard Ellison, John 2014 Roberts, Shirley Smith, Skip Groman. Catherine Pattenden, Michael Cahill, Shirley Casson, Diana Warnock. Margaret Lynn & Jeff Holt (Chairs), Eric Lancaster, Dr Mathew Carter, Gehann Perera, Trish Ryans-Taylor (Chair), Lyn Willox, Colin 1994 2005 Atkins, Trina MacAdam, Noreen Paust, Julia Anne Deck, Peter Carden. Cleaver, Peter Carden, Paul Gurry, Digby Moore, Jan Roberts, Shirley Smith, Lois Eric Baines (Chair), Monica Holmes, Dr Munro, David Shearer, Eric Atkins, Joe Calleja. 2013 MacKenzie. Catherine Pattenden, Michael Cahill, Shirley Trish Ryans-Taylor (Chair), Lyn Willox, Colin 2004 Jeff Holt (Chair), Eric Atkins, Julia Moore, Lancaster, Dr Matthew Carter, Gehann Perera, Cleaver, Peter Carden, Paul Gurry, Digby 1993 Bob Ledwij, Noreen Paust, Pam Tulloch, Lois Anne Deck, Peter Carden. Munro, David Shearer, Eric Atkins. MacKenzie, Charles Picchetti, Shirley Smith, Michael Cahill (Chair), Peter Carden, Lester James (Chair), Lyn Willox, Colin 2012 2003 Margaret Lynn. Gehann Perera, Dr Catherine Pattenden, Eric Cleaver, Paul Gurry, Erica McLaughlan, David Jeff Holt (Chair), Charles Picchetti, Phil Baines, Monica Holmes, Shirley Lancaster, Dr Shearer, Gail White. 1992 Hammond, Bob Ledwij, Noreen Paust, Pam Matthew Carter, Anne Deck. Lester James (Chair), Lyn Willox, Jill Austin, 2002 Tulloch, Lois Mackenzie, Anna Monsello, Shirley Michael Cahill (Chair), Dr Matthew Carter, Yvonne Burns, Colin Cleaver, Lyn Isaacs, Erica 2011 Smith Gehann Perera, Shirley Lancaster, David McLaughlan, David Shearer, Gail White. Pam Tulloch & Jeff Holt (Chairs), Charles Shearer, Eric Atkins, Anne Deck, Eric Baines, Carol Reid & Lester James (Chairs), 1991 2001 Picchetti, Phil Hammond, Bob Ledwij, Tony Lyn Willox, Peter Carden. Colin Cleaver, Jill Austin, Lynn Isaacs, Erica McAlinden, Lois MacKenzie, Anna Monsello, Lyn Willox (Chair), Michael Cahill, Shirley McLaughlan, David Shearer, Gail White, Lyn 2010 Noreen Paust, Shirley Smith. Patrons: Dr Lancaster, Eric Atkins, David Shearer, Digby Willox. Richard Ellison, John Casson. Munro, Joe Calleja, Eric Baines, Peter Carden. Carol Reid (Chair), Colin Cleaver, Ian 2000 P. Tulloch (Chair), S. Metcalf, A. Monsello, P. Lyn Willox (Chair), Colin Cleaver, Peter Simms, Joy Emmeluth, Patricia Brown, Susan 1990 2009 Hammond, L. Mackenzie, S. Smith, W. Smith, Carden, Digby Munro, David Shearer, Shirley Gane, Skip Groman, Kathleen Lewis, Kerris J. Spencer, J. Holt, J. Casson. J. Mansveld, N. Lancaster, Eric Atkins, Michael Cahill. Patrons: Myers, Erica McLaughlan, David Shearer, Anita Paust, C. Picchetti. John Casson, Diana Warnock, Dr Geoff Gallop Wilson. P. Tulloch (Chair), J. Holt, T. McAlinden, J. AC. Dr Richard Ellison passed away this year. Eric Atkins (Chair), Carol Reid, Trish Ryans- 1989 1999 Spencer, L. Smith, P. Hammond, A. Monsello, S. Lyn Willox (Chair), David Shearer, Colin Taylor, Colin Cleaver, Joy Emmeluth, Susan 2008 Metcalf, S. Smith, J. Casson, W. Hearn Cleaver, Paul Gurry, Digby Munro, Peter Gane, Skip Groman, Kerris Myers, Erica L. Smith (Chair), A Monsello, T. McAlinden, Carden, Eric Atkins, Shirley Lancaster, Chris McLaughlan, Jan Roberts, David Shearer, Anita 1988 L. MacKenzie, P. Hammond, P. Tulloch, S. Kennington. Patrons: Dr Richard Ellison, John Witton. Smith, W. Hearn, J. Casson. Casson, Diana Warnock. Bruce Bartlett & Eric Atkins (Chairs), Lynn 1998 L. Smith (Chair), P. Tulloch, S. Smith, P. Lyn Willox (Chair), David Shearer, Colin Isaacs, Howard Beeton, Skip Groman, Kerris 1987 2007 Hammond, J. Casson, S. Metcalf., A. Monsello, Cleaver, Paul Gurry, Digby Munro, Peter Myers, Jan Roberts, Joy Emmeluth, David T. McAlinden, W. Hearn. Carden, Eric Atkins, Shirley Lancaster, Chris Shearer, Susan Gane, Erica McLaughlan.

114 115 Sharing the Journey

1986 L. Smith (Chair), P. Tulloch, S. Smith, V. Johansen, J. Casson, H. McMahon, S. Metcalf, L. INDEX Mackenzie, D. McAllister. 1985 L. Smith (Chair), S. Smith, V. Johansen, J. Casson, S. Metcalf, P. Tulloch, J. Colwill, P. Hammond, P. Rothery, L. McKenzie, D. Hughes. D. Hughes (Chair), P. Rothery, B. MacDonald, 1984 A Community Supported G B. Quayle, S. Smith, P. Tulloch, L. MacKenzie, P. Residential Unit programme, Hansen, D. McAllister, J. Casson. Adams, Dr Trevor, 23 Gaebler, Shauna, 90 99 D. Hughes (Chair), M. Rowdon , P. Rothery, Anglican Health and Welfare Gallop, Dr Geoff, 38 81 1983 Community Welfare, Department , B. MacDonald, B. Quayle, S. Smith, P. Tulloch, L. Services Board, 33 Gallop Labor Government, 78 of, 55 MacKenzie, L. Smith, J. Casson, P. Hansen, D. ARAFMI, 45 52 53 Gard, Matilda, 28 , , consumer movement, 49 McAllister. Australian Services Union, 70 Gibson, Dr Nathan, 3 70 71 consumer representation, 66 , , Graylands Day Hospital, 20, 23 The Steering Committee/Management Coopes, Chris, 45 B group homes, 46, 64 Committee became a ‘Board’ in 1983. Court Liberal Government, 62 Baines, Eric, 105 Criminal Law (Mentally Impaired D. Hughes & J. Casson (Chairs), P. Morris, M. H 1982 Bartnik, Eddie, 79 94 Accused) Act 1996, 92 Rowdon, B. MacDonald, L. Smith, W. Couche, B. , Bassendean, 52 72 custodialism, 17 Harries, Dr Maria, 57 Quayle, S. Smith, P. Hanson. , Bayliss, Denise, 67 76 Havelock Clinic, 20 John Casson & B. Couche (Chairs), J. , 1981 Bennet, Bill, 90 D Hearing Voices Network Dearle, B. MacDonald, D. Shearer, L. Smith, J. Bentley Office, 76 Australia, 90 McKechnie, P. Morris, M. Rowdon Declaration of the Rights of Better Outcomes in Mental Hearn, Dr Bill, 52 Bill Couche John Dearle (Chairs), J. Casson, Disabled Persons, 31 1980 , Health Care, 63 Heathcote Hospital, 19 B. MacFarlane, A Petterson, J. McKechnie, B. deinstitutionalisation, 20 24 Beyond Blue, 63 80 , Henderson, Gregor, 15 MacDonald, M. Rowdon. , DELTA, 52 54 72 Blackmore, Dr Harry, 23 , , Hickey, Archbishop Barry, 32 B. Couche (Chair), E. Chase, J. Casson, P. Department of Psychiatry and , 1979 Board of Visitors, 25 54 33 Morris, B. MacFarlane, M. Rowdon , R. Vincent, , Behavioural Science, 22 Breakdown or Breakthrough, 45 Hillview, 46 54 67 J. McKechnie. Disability Services Act, 58 62 , , Burdekin Report, 62 , Holman, May, 52 72 D. Shearer & G Smith (Chairs), J. Casson, Dowding Labor Government, , 1978 Homeswest, 68 70 72 75 100 J.McKechnie, M. Rowdon , E. Chase, R. Vincent, 105 , , , , C hostels, 21 23 24 51 R. Rowdon, B. MacFarlane, P. Morris, D. Davis. Downer, Ruth, 35 38 46 , , , , , Human Rights Commission, 48 D. Shearer (Chair), B. MacFarlane, R. Vincent, Calleja, Joe, 82 87 dual diagnosis, 68 1977 , Hutchison, Ruby, 21 M. Rowdon, G. Smith, D. Davis, H. Blackmore, carer respite, 97 E. Chase, G. Simms, J. Casson, B. Couche, E. Casson Homes, 33, 51, 54 E I Mason. Casson, John, 23 33 38 47 , , , , East Fremantle Houses, 55 R. Vincent & R. Ellison (Chairs), J. Casson, B. 52 64 Independent Living Program, 1976 , Ellis, Dr Arch, 23 35 MacFarlane, D. Shearer, G. Smith, S. Sinclair, N. Casson, Susan, 26 , 52 55 Ellison, Dr Richard, 35 36 , Paust, R. Poole, M. Pentz, Charter for the Mental Health , Individualised Community Living 1975 (Mangement Committee) R. Ellison & D. Services, 22 F Strategy (ICLS), 95 Shearer (Chairs), G. Smith, J. Casson, R. Vincent, Christian Welfare Centre, 32, 51 industrial relations, 66 B. MacFarlane, N. Paust, S. Sinclair, R. Poole, M. Claremont Hospital, 17, 19, 20, Fernandez, Charlene, 67 International Year of Disabled Pentz. Incorporated 12th September 1975. 23, 32 Fremantle Asylum, 17 Persons, 49 1974 (Steering Committee) R. Vincent, G. Smith, Coleman, Ron, 88 Fremantle Hospital, 55 INTERVOICE, 92 B. Hickey, K. Dowding, E. Buckley, Rev CoMHWA, 89, 90 Woodruff, R. Ellison.

116 117 Sharing the Journey

J P State Grants Mental Health Institutions Act 1964, 31 Bibliography Jansen, Elly, 12 45 51 68 Paust, Noreen, 35 36 38 67 , , , , , , Stewart, Jan, 24 49 58 73 Job Services Australia, 91 Peel, Rockingham and Kwinana , , , Stoller Report, 20 Mental Health Services, 103 Sunday Times, 19 K peer support, 93 Swanborne Hospital, 32 Perkins, Dr Rachel, 3 84 86 Keating Labor government, 62 , , Szasz, Thomas, 21 Personal Helpers and Mentors Ken Colbung, 40 Service (PHaMS), 95 T Australian Bureau of Statistics, Year Book Australia No. 60, 1974. Aust. Bureau of Statistics, 1974. L Perth Inner City Mental Health Service, 102 Thomson, Jacquie, 91, 106 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Mental Health services - in brief, 2014. Canberra: AIHW. Lammas, Peter, 64 66 80 Princess Alexandra, HRH, 51 , , Bolton, GC, ‘WAY 1979: WHOSE CELEBRATION?’, Celebrations in Western Australian History: Studies Lotterywest, 26 28 38 46 53 U , , , , , in Western Australian History, vol. 10, 1989. 55 58 68 73 91 92 102 Q , , , , , , United Nations, 48 Lunacy Act of 1903, 21 Clark, David H, ‘The therapeutic community’, The British Journal of Psychiatry, 1977. Queens Park, 75 Universal Declaration of Human M Quigley, Joe, 35 Rights , 31 Ellis, Archie Samuel, Eloquent Testimony: The Story of the Mental Health Services in Western Australia, 1830-1975, Nedlands, WA: University of Western Australia Press; Beaverton, Or., USA: Mahboub, Lyn, 90, 91 R V International Specialized Book Services, 1984. Mansveld, Jack, 64 Rapley, Professor Mark, 90 Vincent, Ray, 33 Garton, Stephen, ‘Asylum histories: reconsidering Australia’s lunatic past’, Madness in Australia: Marney, Tim, 80 107 , Recovery Outreach Service Voices@Work, 91 Histories, Heritage and the Asylum, 2003, pp. 11-22. Mcdonald House, 23 (ROS), 95 McGorry, Patrick AO, 80 Harries, Maria and Smith, Geoff, Trends in Mental Health Policy Development and Implementation in Reid, Carol, 75 W Mental After-Care Association, Australia, in Community Care - New Partnerships and Perspectives, edited, ACOSS Congress Rowden, Michael, 43 53 26 , WA Mental Health Act (1962), 21 Paper, 1994. Royal Perth Hospital, 17 Mental Health Act 1996, 62 Warnock, Diana, 80 Ruth Downer House, 53 73 75 Jansen, Elly, The therapeutic community: Outside the hospital, Taylor & Francis, 1980. Mental Health Act 2014, 80 , , WAY ’79, 40 Ryans-Taylor, Trish, 47, 68 Mental Health Commission, 79, West Australian Lunacy Act of Jones, Maxwell, ‘The concept of a therapeutic community’, American Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 112, no. 102 S 1903, 17 8, 1956, pp. 647-650. Mental Health Good Outcomes Western Australian Association Martyr, Phillipa, Us That Live Here: a history of Claremont, Swanbourne and Graylands Hospitals, Awards, 85 Sambell, Archbishop Geoffrey, for Mental Health, 49 edited, Perth, Western Australia, NMHS MH, State of Western Australia, 2013. Mental Health Strategy, 61 33 Whitby Falls, 21 Montgomery, Dr Sydney, 17 Schizophrenia Fellowship of Whitlam, Gough, 31, 35 Rosen, A, ‘The Australian experience of deinstitutionalization: interaction of Australian culture with the Moynagh, Dr Digby, 20, 23 Albany and Districts Inc, 106 Willox, Lyn, 14 development and reform of its mental health services’, Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, vol. Myer Foundation, 92 Shaw and Shenton House, 23 Wilson, Keith, 3, 41, 44, 81 113, no. s429, 2006, pp. 81-89. Shearer, David, 39 43 47 68 World Health Organisation, 104 , , , Skerritt, Paul, Arch Ellis, Frank Prendergast, Colin Harrold, Harry Blackmore, and Bill Derham, N Shenton Park Day Hospital, 23 ‘Psychiatry in Western Australia since Federation: an eloquent testimony’, Australasian Sinclair, Sally, 39 41 National Disability Insurance , Psychiatry, vol. 9, no. 3, 2001, pp. 226-228. Smith, Dr Geoff, 24 Scheme, 106 Smith, George, 32, 36, 39, 43, Supski, Sian Danielle, A Proper Foundation: A History of the Lotteries Commission of Western Australia O 47, 51 1932-2008, Black Swan Press, 2009. Smith, Shirley, 31 53 , Szasz, Thomas S, ‘The myth of mental illness’, American Psychologist, vol. 15, no. 2, 1960, p. 113. outreach, 95 Smith, Warwick, 55, 56, 65 Virtue, Roger, ‘Lunacy and social reform in Western Australia, 1886-1903’, Studies in Western Australian History vol. 1, 1977, pp. 29-65.

118 119 Endnotes Endnotes

1 See Clark, David H, ‘The therapeutic And Here Describes’. (1950, February 12). 32 P. Martyr 2013 describes in length the 44 G. Smith, Possibilities. From Dream to community’, The British Journal of Psychiatry, Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 - 1954), p. work of Susan Casson and her significant Destination, Margaret River, 1990, p.25. 1977 for an overview of the development of 5. Retrieved June 10, 2015, from http://nla. contribution to mental health aftercare in 45 C. Holden, ‘Sambell, Geoffrey Tremayne the thereapeutic community appraoch, gov.au/nla.news-article59503735 Western Australia. (1914–1980)’, Australian Dictionary of 2 Jones, Maxwell, ‘The concept of a 14 A. Ellis, 1983. 33 R. Farrell , A history of the Ugly Men’s Biography, National Centre of Biography, therapeutic community’, American Journal of 15 A. Ellis, 1983. Voluntary Worker’s. Honours thesis, Murdoch Australian National University, http://adb. Psychiatry, vol. 112, no. 8, 1956, pp. 647-650 16 P. Martyr, 2013. University. 1993. anu.edu.au/biography/sambell-geoffrey- 3 Clark, 1977. 17 Martyr, 2013. 34 ‘Perth has too many rest homes of the tremayne-11606/text20723, published first 4 L. Willox, 2014. 18 T. Szasz, ‘The myth of mental illness’, Wrong Kind’ (1939, June 11). Sunday Times in hard copy 2002, accessed online 2 April 5 Gregor Henderson, ‘Richmond Wellbeing’. American Psychologist, vol. 15, no. 2, 1960, (Perth, WA : 1902 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved 2015. DVD recording, Richmond Fellowship, 2015. p.113 April 8, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news- 46 File correspondence to George Smith from 6 A. Rosen, ‘The Australian experience of 19 A. Ellis, 1983. page4445832. Barry Hickey, 29th May 1974. deinstitutionalization: interaction of Australian 20 P. Martyr, Notes on MHS Hostels and the 35 From Carol Reid’s preliminary research, 47 Arch Ellis went on to become the President culture with the development and reform of Whitby Falls Connection. Unpublished paper, 2013. of the RANZCP in 1975. See Royal College its mental health services. Acta Psychiatrica NMHS MH, 2013. 36 Casson Homes history courtesy John of Australian and New Zealand Psychiatrists, Scandinavica, vol. 113(s429), 2006, p.82. 21 A. Ellis, 1983, 142. Casson. https://www.ranzcp.org/About-us/About- 7 S. Garton, ‘Asylum Histories: reconsidering 22 See Overview of the History of the School 37 M. Harries & G. Smith. ‘Community Care the-College/Our-history/Presidents-of-the- Australia’s lunatic past’, Madness in of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences by – New Partnerships and Perspectives. College/Arch-Ellis.aspx Accessed 2 April Australia: Histories, Heritage and the Asylum, Professor Hans Stampfer, retrieved 9th April Trends in Mental Health Policy Development 2015. 2003, pp. 11-22. 2015, http://www.psychiatry.uwa.edu.au/ and Implementation in Australia’. ACOSS 48 File letter, 16th September 1974. 8 A.S. Ellis, Eloquent Testimony: The Story home/history Congress Paper, 27 October 1994. 49 G. Smith, 1990, p.62. of the Mental Health Services in Western 23 ‘Shaw House – a brief History’, Government 38 M. Harries and G. Smith, 1994, p.3. 50 G. Smith, 1990, p.63. Australia 1830-1975, Nedlands, WA, of Western Australia Department of Health, 39 According to the declaration, The term 51 S. Thompson, Beyond Matta Gerup: a University of Western Australia Press, 1983. North Metropolitan Health Service, Mental “disabled person” means any person unable history of Victoria Park. (2012),Town of 9 Virtue, 1977. Health. Prepared by Dr Philippa Martyr, to ensure by himself or herself, wholly or Victoria Park and University of Western 10 M. Harries and G. Smith (1994) note this Clinical Research Centre. partly, the necessities of a normal individual Australia, Centre for WA History, 2012, p.169. consideration, and refer to the work of 24 A. Ellis, 1983, p.147. and/or social life, as a result of deficiency, 52 S. Smith, 2014. Kathleen Jones, ‘The Mirage of Reform’, New 25 Interview with Jan Stewart by Cate Pattison, either congenital or not, in his or her 53 Dr Geoff Gallop AC, correspondence with Society, October, pp 10-12. conducted 24th February, 2015, Doubleview. physical or mental capabilities. http://www. Cate Pattison, 27th February 2015. 11 P. Martyr, ‘Historical attempts at community 26 J. Stewart, 2015. ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/ 54 G.C. Bolton, ‘WAY 1979: Whose mental health services – housing/ 27 Interview with Geoff Smith, Medical Director, RightsOfDisabledPersons.aspx Celebration?’, Celebrations in Western accommodation, after care’ Extracted from WA Centre for Medical Health Research by 40 Shirley Smith, 2014. Australian History: Studies in Western Us That Live Here: a history of Claremont, Cate Pattison, conducted 23rd March 2015, 41 State Records Office of Western Australia. Australian History, 10, 1989. Swanbourne and Graylands Hospitals. P.1. Graylands. http://aeon.sro.wa.gov.au/Investigator/ 55 G. Bolton, 1989, p.17. Kindly provided in draft form by Philippa 28 ‘Mentally Ill live in hell’, Daily News, 19 May Details/Agency_Detail.asp?Id=543, 56 Content in this chapter is largely derived Martyr, NMHS MH, State of Western 1987 (final edition), p.30, cited by Martyr accessed 6th May 2015. from the work carried out by Carol Reid in Australia, 2013. 2013. 42 Interview with Emeritus Archbishop Hickey 2013, based on interviews with ex-directors 12 P. Martyr, 2013. 29 P. Martyr, 2013, 1. by Cindy Gorton, 12th August 2014, Mt and archival research. 13 ‘Sunday Times Reporter Works For 5 Weeks 30 P. Martyr, 2013, 1. Lawley. 57 Interview with Keith Wilson by Cate Pattison, As Attendant At The Hospital For The Insane 31 P. Martyr, 2013 43 Hickey, 2014. conducted, 24th April, 2015, Cannington.

120 121 Sharing the Journey Endnotes

58 Destination Australia: Sharing our Post- supported those living with mental illness 80 Warwick Smith interviewed by Cindy Gorton, 93 Interview with Peter Lammas by Cindy War Migrant Stories. National Archives of are largely ‘anecdotal’ when it comes to conducted on 13th February 2014, Graylands. Gorton, conducted 13th February 2014, Australia. Accessed online 5th July 2015. gathering data, which can be an impediment 81 W. Smith, 2014 Burswood. https://www.desinationaustralia.gov.au/site/ to pushing forward studies and research 82 W. Smith, 2014. 94 W. Smith, 2014. records.php?task=detail&id=18436. to support new ways of analysing mental 83 Interview with Maria Harries by Cate 95 Information on consumer representation at 59 Six monthly report to DSS from RFWA, health. As suggested by Keith Wilson, 2015, Pattison, conducted on 5th March 2015, RFWA provided by Lyn Willox, interviewed by November 1977. in discussion around initiating research within University of Western Australia. Cindy Gorton, conducted 23rd January 2014, 60 Interview with Chris Coopes (Coordinator the Meeting For Minds project, http://www. 84 Interview with Jan Stewart, conducted Mount Lawley. of Community Accommodations Support meetingforminds.com.au/ by Cate Pattison, 24th February 2015, 96 Richmond Fellowship of Western Australian Programme, 1988-97) by Cindy Gorton, 70 Discussed by advocacy group People with Doubleview. Also see S. Supski, 2009. Inc. Annual Report, 1997-1998. P.13. conducted 2nd July 2014, DCP Offices. Disability Australia, founded in the same 85 Australian Health Ministers. National 97 Interview with Dr Nathan Gibson, Chief 61 S. Smith, 2014. Shirley reflected on time as year. http://www.pwd.org.au/about-us/our- mental health policy. Canberra: Australian Psychiatrist, by Cate Pattison, conducted 10th Director of Richmond Fellowship and also history.html. Accessed 1st April 2015. Government Publishing Service, 1992. March 2015, East Perth. ARAFMI, including training. 71 M. Epstein, ‘The Consumer Movement in Available at http://www.health.gov.au/ 98 Richmond Fellowship of Western Australia 62 Interview with Trish Ryans-Taylor by Cindy Australia, A Memoir of an Old Campaigner’. internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental- Inc. Annual Report, 1998-1999. Financial Gorton, conducted 21st November 2014, Our Consumer Place, 2013. Available online pubs-n-policy. Accessed 7th May 2015. Statements, p.5. teleconference. at: www.ourcommunity.com.au/files/.../ 86 Human Rights and Equal Opportunity 99 J. Stewart, 2015. 63 Richmond Fellowship Financial Statements, HistoryOfConsumerMovement.pdf, accessed Commission. “Human rights and mental 100 Interview with Carol Reid by Cindy Gorton 1978, 1979, file. 1st April 2015. illness: report of the national inquiry into the ,conducted on 20th December 2014, 64 United Nations Principles for the Protection 72 Interview with John Casson by Cate Pattison, human rights of people with mental illness.” Bunbury. of Persons with Mental Illness and for the conducted 28th April, 2015, North Perth. Burdekin Report (1993) 101 Submission to the Senate Select Committee Improvement of Mental Health Care (1991). 73 Richmond Fellowship of WA Inc, Annual 87 Government of Western Australia, 2005. on Mental Health: Overview of mental Health Adopted by General Assembly Resolution Report and Financial Statements, April 1984. 88 Notes in the paper ‘ARAFMI’s Foundation’ Policy and Reform 1990-2005. Western 46/119 of 17 December 1991 74 Content for this chapter partially derived provided by Tony Fowkes, interviewed by Australian Department of Health, Division 65 Submission to the Senate Select Committee from Carol Reid’s preparatory research Cate Pattison, conducted 19th May 2015, of Mental Health. Accessed online 22 May on Mental Health. Overview of Mental Health (2013). Carol cites Chapter 23 of the ARAFMI Karrinyup. 2015, http://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/ Policy and Reform 1990-2005. Western history written by Anne White (nee Roberts). 89 National Mental Health Report 2005. wopapub/senate/committee/mentalhealth_ Australian Department of Health, Division of 75 Australian Dictionary of Biography, http:// Government Spending on Mental Health. ctte/submissions/sub376_pdf.ashx Mental Health. adb.anu.edu.au/biography/holman-mary- Canberra: Australian Government 102 Hon Dr. Geoff Gallup MLA, Premier of 66 C. Sidoti, Human Rights Commission 1995- alice-may-6711 . Mary Holman is featured Department of Health and Ageing. Accessed Western Australia. ‘30th Anniversary of the 2000. Mental Health for all: What’s the Vision? in Karakatta’s Historical Walk Trail (2). 7th May 2015. http://www.health.gov.au/ Richmond Fellowship’. Speech delivered National Conference on Mental Health http://www.mcb.wa.gov.au/OurCemeteries/ internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/health- at Victoria Park Bowling Club, 14th October, Services, Policy and Law Reform into the Karrakatta/HistoricalWalkTrails/ pq-mental-pubs.htm 2005. Twenty First Century, 13-14 February 1997, KarrakattaHistoricalWalkTrailTwo.aspx 90 Harries and Smith 1994 mention Chelmsford 103 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Newcastle. https://www.humanrights.gov. 76 S. Smith, 2014, contributed historical Hospital in NSW for its ‘deepsleep’ Royal 2014. Mental health services – in brief 2014. au/news/speeches/mental-health-all-whats- information and reflection in this section. Commission, and Ward 10 in Townsville Cat. No. HSE 154. Canberra: AIHW. vision Accessed 6th May 2015. 77 Rottnest Island Chapel information booklet, Queensland, as examples. 104 Interview with Eddie Bartnik by Cate 67 J. Stewart, 2015. 2015. 91 Beyond Blue. http://www.beyondblue.org. Pattison, conducted on 29th June 2015, 68 M. Harries and G. Smith, 1994. 78 S. Smith, 2014, reflects on the benefits of au/about-us/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/ Midland. 69 Although this might now be the case across group housing. our-history 105 National Mental Health Commission, the board, there is still often a pervading 79 The Richmond Fellowship Newsletter, 92 Harries and Smith, 1994. 2014: the National Review of Mental Health sense to some in the sector that the stories November 1985. Programmes and Services. Sydney: NMHC. of those who have personally lived or 106 P. Lammas, 2014.

122 123 Sharing the Journey

107 Interview with Diana Warnock by Cindy Gorton, conducted on 31st July 2014, Perth. 108 K. Wilson, 2015. 109 G. Gallop, 2015. 110 Interview with Dr Rachel Perkins, OBE, by Cate Pattison, conducted on 6th May 2015, RFWA. 111 R. Perkins, 2015. 112 Interview with Ron Coleman and Karen Taylor by Cate Pattison, conducted on 15th April 2015, Nedlands. 113 History of HVNA kindly provided by Lyn Mahboub. 114 Interview with Shauna Gaebler, Executive Director, CoMHWA, by Cate Pattison, conducted 31st March 2015, West Perth. 115 Interview with Jacquie Thomson, by Cate Pattison, conducted 27th March 2015, Osborne Park. 116 S. Carmody, 13th July 2015. 117 E. Bartnik, 2015. 118 Interview with Sheryl Carmody by Cate Pattison, conducted 13th July 2015, West Perth 119 AIHW, 2014. 120 N. Gibson, 10th March, 2015. 121 World Health Organisation. http://www.who. int/topics/mental_health/en/ Accessed 21st July 2015. 122 Interview with Eric Baines by Cate Pattison, conducted 17th July 2015, Cannington. 123 Interview with Jan Stewart by Cindy Gorton, conducted 20th February 2014, Osborne Park. 124 For a comprehensive history of Lotterywest, See S. Supski, 2009. 125 J. Thompson, 2015. 126 N. Gibson, 2015. 127 T. Marney, Mental Health Commissioner, ‘The Western Australian Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan 2015- 2025 (Summary), 2015, p.3.

124 SHARING THE JOURNEY

CATE PATTISON RICHMOND WELLBEING 1975-2015

Sharing the Journey tells the story of the Richmond Fellowship, now Richmond Wellbeing, in Western Australia from 1975 to 2015. Focussing on recovery within a therapeutic environment, the Richmond Fellowship have walked alongside people experiencing mental distress in Perth for forty years. In the last decade, it has also become a progressive thought leader and advocate for consumer-centered mental health recovery. This history is told against the backdrop of developments in social sentiment and public policies around mental health over this time. CATE PATTISON

ISBN 978-0-9944289-0-5 THE STORY OF THE RICHMOND FELLOWSHIP OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA, NOW RICHMOND WELLBEING 1975-2015

9 780994 428905