But it hasn’t deterred former residents from organising a reunion on March 11. Owners of the old Saint Joseph’s Girls orphanage, Maggie and Darryl Patterson, are hosting a joint gathering.

The girls and boys orphanages were established in 1906 and 1912 respectively by the Sisters of Mercy.

Reunion organiser Phil Merrigan said he was expecting a big roll up of ex St Joseph’s residents and about 40 “old boys.” 

“There’s an air of excitement about it being held there...It’s important to people because many feel it will be their last as they’re getting older,” he said.

“It’s also an opportunity for Maggie and Darryl to showcase the work they’ve been doing at St Joseph’s.”

The former Moss Vale couple have been restoring the Taralga Road building since purchasing it in 2014. They have regularly opened the doors to ex-residents, hosting events that highlight social issues such as the impact of institutionalisation.

Mr Merrigan said the gathering would be emotional for some but it was also “good for the soul” for ex-residents to rekindle ties. Over the years it had also transformed into a social weekend with lunches and dinners in Goulburn.

He tries to organise the reunions annually.

The Pattersons have come on board, organising 2008 Senior Australian of the Year, David Bussau, to speak at the reunion. Mr Bussau spent part of his childhood in an Anglican boys home but became a successful entrepreneur. He used his experience to establish Opportunity International, a charity micro-financing people in poverty and helping them transform their lives.

Now retired, he provides consultancy services to government, multinationals and other organisations.

Also at the reunion, former St John’s resident Elaine Dawson will launch a book about hers and her family’s time at the Mundy Street orphanage.

“There is still a spirit that binds people,” Mr Merrigan said. 

The event starts at 11am and includes a barbecue lunch. For more information and to RSVP, contact Mr Merrigan on 0407 618 100 or Maria and Lindsay Chesworth on 0423 689 366. People can also visit the website www.stjohnsgoulburn.org