Father Wilfred Pooley was the driving force behind the establishment of the rural Catholic settlement of Maryknoll in 1949. More information on Father Pooley and the establishment of Maryknoll can be found at Casey Cardinia – links to our past.
A plaque remembering Father Pooley is situated in the hall’s foyer. When we visited we found two plaques in the hall’s grounds, one dedicated to Thelma Morgan, the other to Celie O’Connell.
Father Pooley plaque
Transcription
In memory of / Rev. Father Wilfred A Pooley / beloved pastor and friend of / the people of Maryknoll / founder of / St. Mary’s Catholic rural settlement 1949.
Thelma Morgan plaque
Transcription
In memory of / Thelma Morgan / from the people / of Maryknoll.
Celie O’Connell plaque
Transcription
In memory of / Celie O’Connell / from the people / of Maryknoll.
Father Pooley plaque
Thelma Morgan plaque
Thelma Morgan plaque detail
Celie O’Connell plaque
Celie O’Connell plaque detail
Address: 70 Girrawheen Road, Maryknoll
Surveyed on: 23 May 2013
Surveyed by: Fay & Anne
Surveyed on: 23 May 2013
Surveyed by: Fay & Anne
Maryknoll VIC 3812, Australia
Anne Blair? I also grew up there in the 50’s to 60’s
Anne Clancy
Thanks for the great work being done for this project.
I grew up at Maryknoll during 1950s & 1960s & have fond memories of Thelma Morgan.
Thelma (aka Thellie) lived on a property in Yarrabubba Road, Maryknoll and she taught the children of Maryknoll to swim. We swam in a dam on her property. She helped children to get their Herald Certificates and later Bronze Medallions for swimming and life saving achievements.”