The history of the Bathurst region is incredibly rich – and it’s now even better.
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The Saint Joseph’s convent in Perthville now has a self-guided walking tour of the historic site complete with signs and an information brochure.
Sisters of St Joseph business manager Paul Favero said the walking tour was an initiative of World Youth Day 2008.
“It all started in the middle of last year with the coming of WYD. We, as a congregation, got involved because the cross and icon were coming to Bathurst and we hoped would be coming to Perthville too,” Mr Favero said.
“Perthville is a very historic site. Mary MacKillop is a co-founder of the Sisters of St Joseph’s and she visited the site several times.”
The convent dates back to 1872, when sisters Teresa McDonald, Hyacinth Quinlan and Miss Ada Braham arrived to make a foundation of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
The convent, which is still in use today, is historically significant because of its connection to the Mary MacKillop, who was a co-founder.
Mr Favero said 150 WYD pilgrims visited the convent in July.
“It was a fabulous day. We want to make this a pilgrimage experience,” he said.
“We have done this so the great work the sisters have done will live on forever.”
Colour brochures were printed as a guide to the walk. The brochures tell the history of the site and the locations walkers will visit on the tour.
Locations include the original church of the Cathedral parish of Sts Michael and John, the sisters’ cemetery and the novitiate training hall.
The signs and brochures was paid for with help of donations from Catholic Church Insurances and Bathurst Regional Council.
Mr Favero said plans were underway to install new plantings and seated areas along the walk.
Mr Favero said anyone was welcome to take the self guided tour at Tenison Woods Avenue in Perthville, between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Brochures are available at Bathurst Visitors Information Centre.