Social Justice & Action
Returning Willow Grove to the people of Parramatta – Have your say
Willow Grove, the historic maternity hospital in Parramatta may soon have a new home, thanks to the tireless efforts of local action groups.
Built in 1891, Willow Grove is a seminal piece of Australia’s nursing and midwifery history, serving as a maternity hospital from 1920-1953, accommodating single mothers and First Nations women, a practice that was rare at the time. The site is also an important cultural site for the Burramattagal people of the Dharug nation, who throughout period of colonisation have maintained an ongoing connection to country, the skies and waterways at Willow Grove.
In response to a proposed demolition in 2018, multiple unions including the NSWNMA campaigned together to protect the historic site. Due to the concerted campaign efforts to ‘Save Willow Grove’ by local community groups and unions, the NSW government agreed to relocate and rebuild the 140 year old heritage site at new location.
The NSW government has been working with the City of Parramatta, key representative groups and community members on the future site and use of Willow Grove. The Willow Grove Community Reference Group (WG-CRG) was formed in November 2021 to ensure the best outcomes for the relocation. Have your say on the new location here.
The WG-CRG has been instrumental throughout the decision-making process with input into selecting the short-listed future sites and potential use as well as the broader community consultation process.
Now, we want your feedback to help decide the future of Willow Grove. To have your say, fill out our quick survey here! (https://swipengage.com/#/willow-grove-relocation)
Survey closes Tuesday 13 September.
For more information about the Willow Grove Relocation project:
Visit their website: https://bit.ly/willowgroveparramatta
Email: willowgrove@aurecongroup.com
Call: 1800 958 006