Tim Byrne said,

“It is vitally important for rural people to have access to quality healthcare. Harry wanted to support the health of the Daylesford community after his passing and I’m honoured to make the donation on behalf of Harry and Peggy today.”

Tim was taken on a tour of the new operating theatre and shown the updated plaque honouring the generosity of Harry and Peggy since the first donation in 1999.

Meagan Harding, Director of Nursing for Daylesford Health, said,

“A quarter of a million dollars will change lives! It will have a lasting impact on the patients here at Daylesford Hospital. On behalf of Central Highlands Rural Health’s Board, Executives, staff and patients I would like to thank Tim for giving so generously to the health and wellbeing of the Daylesford and district community.”

The Maddicks family arrived in Daylesford during the early gold rush days of the 1850s, where three generations lived and worked. Henry Jnr (Harry), 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.

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 were actively volunteered in many of the community organisations and causes. Harry was particularly interested in assisting the WWII refugees from the Baltic states at the Bullarto camp.

Central Highlands Rural Health’s mission is to provide the best care to every person, every time. We continue to focus on fundraising for medical equipment upgrades, resident and patient resources, facility upgrades, and staff learning and development in line with this mission.

Every donation helps to improve the health and well-being of our community. Can you give a gift to Central Highlands Rural Health? Donation and fundraising enquiries from individuals, community groups and businesses are always welcome. Don't hesitate to get in touch with Kathryn Kosloff, Fundraising Manager, on (03) 5321 6555, giving@chrh.org.au or visit www.chrh.org.au/donate

Thanks to the Daylesford & District Historical Society for providing images and information about the Maddicks family.

PHOTOS:

- Central Highlands Rural Health Director of Corporate Services Kristie Lawson, Daylesford Health Director of Nursing Meagan Harding, Fundraising Manager Kathryn Kosloff and Jessica Nowak accepting the $250k donation from Maddicks Family Estate executor Tim Byrne.

- Tim Byrne viewing plaque in new operating theatre with Kathryn Kosloff

- Siblings: Harry, Peggy & Kevin Maddicks

- Harry’s shopfront in Daylesford