The birth of Peak Downs Hospital chronicled at re-open exhibition

The Clermont Historical Centre’s new exhibition Reflections of Resilience is re-opening with restrictions from Wednesday, 17 June 2020 in accordance with Queensland Government's directive for the staged resumption of services.

Mayor Baker said she was excited to see the Clermont Historical Centre open again, with visitors able to explore the Reflections of Resilience exhibition, which chronicles the colourful past of medical services and hospitals in Clermont and surrounds.

“The story of the Peak Downs Hospital was fascinating, outlining how the hospital ran and survived.” Mayor Baker said.

Peak Downs Hospital Facing Hoods Lagoon on Lime Street, the original site for the Peak Downs Hospital, is chosen in 1864 by the first hospital committee, elected ‘from amongst the most respected of citizenry’ of the Clermont community.

While the site looks substantially different 156 years later, the birth of the Peak Downs Hospital was a turning point for the health and growth of Clermont.

“The hospital was governed by a committee of community members, and was reliant on subscriptions and donations to operate.

“And the story of the first doctor at Peak Downs Hospital, Dr Spiridion Candiottis, is one of intrigue, with the Doctor’s time in Clermont described as ‘turbulent and unpredictable’.”

Mayor Baker said the exhibition had something for everyone.

“As you enter the exhibition you walk underneath a replica of the iconic triangle façade of the Peak Downs Hospital, immediately stepping you back in time,” she said.

“The exhibition Reflections of Resilience will immerse visitors to a time when doctors, nurses and midwives were the epitome of importance, and when hospitals were kept alive by sheer determination of the community that needed them.

“This is a very timely reminder as we reflect on the modern-day heroes in the medical profession during the current pandemic.”

The exhibition and runs until December 2020, aligning with the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, in honour of the 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale.

The Clermont Historical Centre is located on the Gregory Highway and is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 9am to 3pm.

Admission prices are $6 for adults, $4 for pensioners, $3 children under 12 years and $15 per family with two or more children.

For more details visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au or call 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27).