Council to preserve Orphans garden in Victoria Park

Published on 01 August 2019

Goulburn Mulwaree Council wishes to reassure the community that the Memorial for Orphans in Victoria Park will be preserved and protected. The memorial garden includes a bench seat, plinth and plaque and is located within the planned space for the Shibetsu Japanese Garden. Initial design work for the Shibetsu Garden had not factored in the Memorial for Orphans, but after being brought to the attention of Council the design will be revisited to ensure it is retained appropriately.

“I’d like to thank Mr James Luthy OAM, who was instrumental in the establishment of the memorial and who raised this matter with me recently.  We certainly appreciate the significance of this Memorial for Orphans, and its importance to many members of our community. Following our further discussions, all elements of the garden will be retained, and either incorporated within the Shibetsu Garden or placed in a new prominent spot within Victoria Park” said Mayor Kirk.

The Memorial Garden was opened and the plinth unveiled in October 2007 by Mayor Paul Stephenson, Federal Member for Hume Alby Schultz and Mr Luthy.

The Memorial recognises orphanages as an important part of Goulburn’s history, with over 50,000 children living all or part of their childhood in one of the four large institutions in Goulburn. Council will update the community on plans in this regard over the coming months.