Dennis Durbidge puts energy into old St Joseph's orphanage

The retired electrician grew up in nearby Wollondilly Avenue where his family had moved when he was two years old. His father was employed at nearby Kenmore Hospital. 

As a child he could hear the happy sound of girls playing at St Joseph’s and the bell ringing to call them back to class. He also served as an altar boy at regular Catholic Masses and recalled the Sisters dressed in long black habits.

“It was largely seen as separate to Goulburn but not to Bradfordville people,” Mr Durbidge said.

“There were two Masses of a Sunday and people from Bradfordville and Kenmore came along. People also got married here.”

After it became St Joseph’s House of Prayer in the 1970s he lived in the building for almost eight months. The fascination with its history continued afterward.

“I’ve retired now and when I saw an article about the place, I knew something was happening. I hadn’t ventured past the front gate but one day I got talking to (owner) Darryl (Patterson) at the front gate. One thing led to another, I’m an electrician and the rest is history.”

Co-owner Maggie Patterson likens Mr Durbidge’s involvement to a “celestial summons.”

The still licensed electrical contractor has volunteered his time and expertise over the past 18 months to rewiring the entire building. The job is almost complete.

“It’s a beautiful concept of what might happen,” Mr Durbidge said of the Pattersons’ restoration.

“Like when St Francis of Assisi was building his church, he didn’t know what would happen. It’s the same here. With my qualifications, I’m able to contribute. I have the time.”  

Mrs Patterson couldn’t be more grateful.

“Dennis has been a blessing to us and the rest of the community. He’s really saved the building,” she said.