History of McMaugh Gardens
The notion of having an aged care facility for Uralla evolved from having discussions with Matron McMaugh, who ran the hospital at Uralla for many years, Dr. Betty Batt and Mr Jeff Nicholls in the 1970’s. Mr Nicholls wished Uralla to have a ‘Hospital’ for the elderly.
A public meeting was held and Mr Peter Wright was elected President of this committee to pursue this idea. The idea was to purchase real estate from Matron McMaugh, however talks broke down and the committee went into abeyance.
Matron McMaugh then willed the real estate to the aged persons of Uralla. The committee reconvened some time in the 1980’s for legal reasons, to satisfy the Will made prior to Matron’s death in 1981, at the age of 97.
Following her death, the committee commenced fundraising to build a facility for the aged in Uralla. The existing hospital was assessed as being too expensive to upgrade and refurbish. The hospital building was sold and the funds used towards the present structure. The Uralla Shire Council donated the land where McMaugh Gardens is now built. It was previously the old Gostwyck Shire grounds which had been amalgamated with Uralla Shire Council.
Fundraising continued and government grants were received. The building of the facility commenced in December 1989, then completed and opened in November 1990. Manager, Mrs Rosemary Reading began duties in August 1990 to prepare for the commencement of business. Staff commenced on the 12th November. The first residents were accepted on the 19th November 1990.
The original building catered for 21 residents. In 2002 it was decided to add extra 11 rooms, with the intent to be able to cater for residents with higher care needs. Further funding was secured in 2007 and an extra 4 rooms were added, making the total capacity of the facility 36 residents.