A former girls orphanage is slowly being restored and transformed nearly two years after the owners bought the historic building.
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Maggie and Darryl Patterson purchased the 1905 St Joseph’s Orphanage on Taralga Road in May, 2014.
The former Moss Vale couple, who also own the Milton Bakery, have thrown themselves into the building’s conservation since they moved in 18 months ago. The Pattersons have also embraced a charitable and philanthropic focus, hosting events aimed at raising awareness of social issues, including children in slavery and forced labour. Moreover, they have established firm links with former residents at the Catholic Girls Orphanage, designed by EC Manfred.
It’s a work in progress. The Pattersons have converted a large living space for themselves, replaced 300 broken windows and embarked on restoration of the chapel, the attic and many other rooms. They also want to convert a room for events and education to raise awareness of social issues, pending council approval. Likewise, plans are afoot for a coffee roasting room and small cafe. It would sell their own coffee ‘The Old Orphanage Roastery,’ with all profits going to charity.
“It has such a remarkable history,” Mrs Patterson said of the building.
“People catch their breath and realise the Sisters of Mercy looked after children in this remarkable place. There are some really positive stories associated with it that need some airspace.”
The couple plan to do just that through hosting a reunion of St Joseph’s and St John’s Orphanage residents on March 11 and in the longer term, building a museum space in the building. A garden dedicated to residents is also being considered.
Over the past 18 months the Pattersons have had a helping hand from licensed electrical contractor, Dennis Durbidge, who has volunteered his time to rewire the entire building. It’s as much about fire prevention as safety.
In time, the owners want to plant a community garden in the grounds, tended by volunteer hands and growing produce for people in need.
“The idea is to give back to the community because this was a community place to which people gave food when it was an orphanage. Girls would also be billeted out to give the nuns a break,” Mrs Patterson said.
“...There is a lot of work still to do. The nature of it is that there always will be but it is a labour of love.”