March 14th, 2025Maddick’s Theatre honours generous legacy for Daylesford Health

Daylesford Health has 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 has renamed the surgical ward the “Maddicks Theatre” for a minimum of 10 years.

The funds will be used to improve facilities, upgrade medical equipment and resources for patients,
residents and clients across Daylesford Health services which include acute, theatre, community nursing and community health.

The official unveiling of the new name was celebrated with an afternoon tea on February 20 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.

Central Highlands Rural Health Board Chair, the Hon Mary Delahunty visited with estate executor Mr Tim Byrne and his wife Eunice on February 28 to share the new signage.

The Hon Mary Delahunty: “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: “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.”

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 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.

Words & Image: Supplied