Daylesford Health received another generous gift of $250,000 from the Maddicks Estate in January 2025 bringing the total donated since 1999 to an incredible $778,000. To recognise the family’s legacy, Central Highlands Rural Health have renamed the surgical ward the “Maddicks Theatre” for a minimum of 10 years.
The official unveiling of the new name was celebrated with an afternoon tea on 20 February attended by Hepburn Shire Council Deputy Mayor Lesley Hewitt, Gary Lawrence and Barry Files from the Daylesford Historical Society and Central Highlands Rural Health’s (CHRH) Board, Executives and staff. The Hon. Mary Delahunty visited with estate executor Mr Tim Byrne and his wife Eunice on 28 February to share the new signage.
The Hon. Mary Delahunty, Central Highlands Rural Health Board Chair, said, “Generations of the Maddicks family were well known and well loved by the Daylesford community and now their legacy lives on through their incredible investment in rural health. We are thrilled to honour them by naming the operating ward the Maddicks Theatre. On behalf of Central Highlands Rural Health’s Board and staff, I’d like to thank Mr Tim Byrne for taking such good care of Harry’s estate and legacy.”
Tim Byrne, Maddicks Family Estate Executor, said, “Harry wanted to support rural healthcare with his estate and I’m thrilled that the theatre will be named after his family. They were part of the Daylesford community for nearly 150 years and people still remember Harry taking their photo or loading reels at The Rex Theatre. The hospital staff have purchased life-saving equipment and other much-needed items with the funds which is great for the community.”
The funds will be utilised to improve facilities, upgrade medical equipment and resources for our patients, residents and clients across Daylesford Health services which include acute, theatre, community nursing and community health. Recent purchases with the funds have included defibrillators for theatre and acute, an airway camera for theatre, a standing air chair for patient mobility and much-needed storage systems.
The Maddicks family arrived in Daylesford during the early gold rush days of the 1850s where three generations lived and worked. Henry Jnr (Harry), Thomas, Margaret (Peggy) and Kevin (were the children of Henry and Anastasia Maddicks. Henry Snr ran the Delta Photographic Studios from 1906 for over 60 years, and many of his treasured photos are archived at the Daylesford Museum.
Harry was a keen radio enthusiast and established a shop selling radios and household electrical appliances, and he continued to run the photographic business after his father’s death. Thomas is buried with his parents at the Daylesford Cemetery. Kevin, who joined the war effort, was sadly killed while on service in New Guinea in 1945. Their sister, Peggy, was an active tennis club member and quietly involved with many community groups.
None of the siblings married, and although private and reserved, they actively volunteered in many community organisations and causes. Harry was particularly interested in assisting the WWII refugees from the Baltic states at the Bullarto camp.
Thanks to the Daylesford & District Historical Society for providing images and information about the Maddicks family.
Every donation to Central Highlands Rural Health helps to improve the health and well-being of rural communities. If you’d like to know more about how to give a gift to Daylesford Health or The Best Care Project please visit www.chrh.org.au/donate or get in touch with Kathryn via 0439 705 039 or giving@chrh.org.au
This article is based on a media release from Central Highlands rural Health.
