Former Saint John's orphanage, Goulburn, resident shares view

They usually take a trip up to their former home in Mundy Street but for the most part they hold their function at the old Saint Joseph's Girls orphanage on Taralga Road.

It's a much more welcoming place, organiser Phil Merrigan says and the owners, Maggie and Darryl Patterson are genuine and caring hosts.

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The Saint John's 'old boys' will do the same on November 20 but this year, another series of fires at their former home will be a hot topic.

The council has commissioned a structural engineer's report on the remains of the 1912 building. General manager Warwick Bennett said planners would likely recommend partial or complete demolition, given the public safety risk.

It wouldn't bother Mr Merrigan who said he gave up long ago hoping that anything from the place he lived for 10 years in the 1960s, could be saved.

"I spoke to a lot of old boys after the last big fire (in 2016). For us now the fight has gone. Any soul that was left there has also gone," he said.

"They just want it bulldozed. The suffering never ends so let's get something positive happening there now."

Owner John Ferrara has discussed preliminary plans for a six to eight-storey residential apartment development on the site but has not lodged a development application at this stage. He has also advertised the 6.5-hectare property for sale for $7.5 million. The ad spruiks building demolition.

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Mr Merrigan would like to see elements retained, but exactly what would depend on the structural engineer's report.

At the least, it could be the 1912 foundation stone laid by Bishop John Gallagher. A new building could also include an area detailing the site's history and photos of orphanage life.

"It's an extremely solid building," Mr Merrigan said.

"There was hardwood timber holding it up and there was no damp or decay when I was there. It needs someone to come in and rebuild elements like the facade but is there any sense in doing that?"

The Newcastle man and wife, Bev, last visited there about six weeks ago and noted security fencing had been pushed down. Mr Ferrara was ordered by the council to erect it after the 2016 fires to keep people out.

"I'm still angry about the fires and the neglect but now I just want to see something good to happen," Mr Merrigan said.

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While Saint John's has crumbled, the former Saint Joseph's Girls Home, also operated by the Sisters Of Mercy, has been restored by the Pattersons. The couple host numerous charity-focused events at the spacious 1907 building.

The 'Joeys' girls joined in the reunions several years ago. Some have attended for the first time while others have found it difficult to relive the memories. But Mr Merrigan said they made up the majority of sometimes up to 80 people at the reunion.

"Maggie and Darryl said they would be upset if we held it anywhere else. We know they are genuine in that," he said.

The couple, who also own Milton Bakery, sell their own coffee label - Orphan's Cup. It's a popular brew in Mr Merrigan's home.

Meantime, Saint John's orphanage neighbour Carolyn Clancy said she regularly saw people pulling up at the building and loading up loose bricks on trailers.

The theft does not surprise her and nor does the regular sound of rock throwing. Over the years she has raised concerns not just about the number of fires in the old facility but the long grass surrounding, which she said posed a risk.

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"To me, there's one big solution - demolish the building. It's embarrassing and dangerous," she said.

"You can never restore it now so make something decent for Goulburn that will be a highlight on the hill."

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