A Southern Imbolc: Mt Macedon

Mount Macedon
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In the 19th century, the cool climate of the Macedon region was thought to provide a perfect environment for patients suffering tuberculosis. In 1899 a sanatorium was opened a short distance down the Mount from the lake in a building previously used as a private hospital. The lake was built to supply water to a new, larger sanatorium which due to opposition and lack of funding was never built. The original sanatorium closed in 1910 and was later destroyed by fire.

Sanatorium Lake

MOUNT MACEDON SANATORIUM

INSTITUTION TO BE CLOSED.

LACK OF PUBLIC SUPPORT.

The Argus

31 July 1908

The annual meeting of subscribers to the Victorian Sanatoria for Consumptives was held yesterday afternoon, in Prell's building, 34 Queen street, Melbourne.. There was an attendance of 25, and Mr R Murray Smith, president, was in the chair.

In submitting the nineteenth annual report and balance-sheet, the committee regretted that the public support solicited had not been forthcoming, and the work of the institution had been conducted during a year of anxiety and care. The number of  patients treated between July 1 1905 to

June 30 1008, was 544. From July 1 1907 to June 30 1908, 205 patients had been treated. Of these, 134 had been cured or relieved. There were incurable 27, discharged  at own request or on other grounds 14; died 5, remaining on June 30, 1908, 25 [patients].

During the period under review the institution had been subjected to persistent attacks by one section of the press which, though fully and convincingly disproved, had had a prejudicial effect on the public, and it was to these attacks that the kind efforts of friends to assist the funds of the institution by concerts and other entertainments might attribute then partial failure. The committee had been led to believe that the Government grant for 1908-9 would be 1,000 pounds but the Premier had intimated that unless the recommendations of the inspector of charities, the main feature of which had been the abolition of paying patients, were adopted the grant from the Government would be withheld.  [read full article]