AFTER spearheading establishment of the Mary MacKillop Interpretative Centre and years of dedication to its ongoing development, chairperson Clare Larkin will step aside from her leadership role.
Ms Larkin has devoted two decades to the cherished tourist attraction, which focuses on Australia’s first saint and her connections to the region.
The exhibition features stories of Mary’s childhood, education and life, along with a collection of photographs from her canonisation in 2010 in Rome, along with the celebrations held in Penola on the day.
The centre was created due to the need for a bigger space in Penola to host an array of displays after the saint was beatified in the mid ‘90s.
“The centre was built in 1998 after Mary MacKillop was beatified in 1995, which created an increase in interest in her life story,” Ms Larkin said.
“I had a phone call from a community member asking me to join the committee and begin the centre, which was previously run through the schoolhouse.”
Ms Larkin described the process as a time of growth as she helped develop a space for interactive and informative displays depicting the monumental stages of MacKillop’s life.
“Penola is where it all began, this is where Mary MacKillop started the Sisters of Saint Josephs with Father Julian Tenison Woods, who was her mentor and a remarkable man,” she said.
The centre also highlights the role of Father Julian Tenison Woods, with The Father Woods Gallery featuring information banners from the educator’s journey and his time spent in Penola after he first entered the town in 1857.
In addition to the centre, visitors are able to explore the Cameron Home and the Woods MacKillop Schoolhouse, which tell a remarkable story of the town.
Mary and her sister Annie taught, slept and ate in The Woods MacKillop Schoolhouse, which was purpose-built in 1867, with the Cameron Home named after Mary MacKillop’s uncle Alexander Cameron.
For many Australians and international visitors, the centre has been the final destination point of the popular Aussie Camino, on which pilgrims retrace the steps of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop and are always warmly welcomed by Ms Larkin and her team of volunteers with an afternoon tea.
“Pilgrims on the Aussie Camino love our little town as it is such a change for them – a lot come from big cities and find it quiet and peaceful,” Ms Larkin said.
When reflecting on the centre’s reputation, Ms Larkin said it was instrumental in adding to the tourism flavour of Penola.
“Some people come for the centre specifically and then find out about the town’s wonderful wine, cafes and food,” she said.
Not only has Ms Larkin devoted her time to ensuring MacKillop’s achievements are not forgotten, she has also been heavily involved with the town’s various other community groups.
“I am a life member of the football club and pool committee and I contributed to the church committee and school committee when I had children,” she said.
“Whatever myself and my family were involved in, we ensured we put back into it.”
Despite Ms Larkin officially leaving her role, she said she would definitely continues to visit and support the centre.
“I know the centre is in good hands and I know it will go on and there will be lots of things happen in the future and I will be around a long time to see it,” she said.
The committee will appoint a new president on September 9 at its annual general meeting.
