Now the teenager’s legacy will be recognised in a reserve to be named in her honour in a residential subdivision.

The 17-year-old was dying of a genetic heart condition, cardiomyopathy, in 2013 when she made a pact with her father, the Saint Joseph’s Orphanage owner, Darryl Patterson. He and wife, Maggie, had only just bought the large Taralga Road complex and had big plans for the future.

“She made me spit on my hand and we both did a high five. It was a contract that we’d go on with the work. She really loved the place,” Mr Patterson said.

Mrs Patterson said her daughter showed strength beyond her years as she lay in the Glasgow Hospital. The family was only weeks into their Scottish holiday when Isla was diagnosed.

“She wanted us to go on with it (the restoration) no matter what and made us promise that we wouldn’t be angry with God if anything happened to her, that we would continue to laugh,” she said.

“...She had full awareness and knew (her passing) would break our hearts but she wanted us to give that commitment.”

The couple and children, Nathanael and Breagha, have delivered in spades with an extensive restoration of the 1906 EC Manfred building. It’s involved hours of clearing and cleaning, window replacement, a complete electrical rewiring, structural work and throwing open the doors for groups and initiatives centred on social justice. They have also established a registered charity, Orphan’s Cup, supporting women and children in Goulburn and Timor Leste.

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Couple restore Goulburn's St Joseph's orphanage

Dennis Durbidge puts energy into old St Joseph's orphanage

Separately, the Catholic Archdiocese is also developing a 112-lot residential subdivision around the orphanage, known as Joseph’s Gate. At the most recent council meeting, councillors endorsed the Goulburn parish’s request to name a reserve running from Taralga Road to the Wollondilly River, within the subdivision, the Isla Patterson Reserve. The land also includes a playground. The Geographical Names Board must also approve the name. 

Canberra woman Pamela Slocum OAM, marketing consultant for Joseph’s Gate, suggested the idea after meeting the couple and hearing their story.  

“It just touched me so much, as it would anyone...They’re an extraordinary couple,” Ms Slocum said.

“I have three children myself but I couldn’t say I know how you feel. I couldn’t comprehend losing a child; it would be like losing a part of yourself. My connection came from a goodness point of view because it really resonated with me.”

Mrs Patterson said the family was overwhelmed with the gesture.

“I don’t think we would have thought of it without Pamela. She has a deep, caring heart,” she said.

“I feel Isla would be very pleased. If she hadn’t made us promise, I don’t think we could have gone on with the work. Our other daughter Breagha was diagnosed with the same condition two weeks after Isla’s funeral and it was just so overwhelming.”

Breagha has since had a heart transplant and in an Australia first procedure – a mechanical heart pump known as an MVAD inserted. At age 24, she is studying at university and living a full life.

Meantime, the old orphanage is still a work in progress.

“We’re absolutely excited by the way it’s all come together and the support of the community,” Mr Patterson said.

“We don’t see it as our project but a community one that we want to grow.”

As part of this, the couple has started a community garden on a small portion of land beside the orphanage gifted to them by the Archdiocese. They also host orphanage reunions. 

Also at the council meeting, councillors endorsed the Parish’s suggestion to name nine streets in the subdivision after Sisters of Mercy who served at the orphanage. They include:

The names will be publicly advertised for feedback and must also be approved by the Geographical Names Board.