Picture this A quaint town nestled in Victoria’s countryside. This is Maryknoll a place steeped in history and faith. Founded in 1949 by Father Wilfred Pooley Maryknoll was envisioned as a religious intentional community. Father Pooley dreamed of a place where families could live rural lives. They would practice their Catholic faith. He wanted a harmonious blend of faith and family.
Initially named St Mary’s the town was renamed Maryknoll in 1955. This avoided confusion with other towns sharing the same name. The original settlement consisted of roughly 30 families. They were pioneers building a life together. They built their homes and a church. A school was also built. The children were educated by a Sister from the Pakenham Presentation Order.
Maryknoll was more than just a residential area. It was a cooperative. It had a joinery a hardware store even an aerated water factory. These ventures helped sustain the community. They promoted self-sufficiency and cooperation.
The community thrived for many years. By the mid-1980s the Maryknoll cooperative society officially closed. This economic society was separate from the social structure of the town. Interestingly the restriction of residents to Catholics was not enforced from the 1960s onward. The town’s population changed reflecting a more diverse community. It grew to almost 300 by 1982. About a third of the residents at that time were not Catholic.
Today Maryknoll retains its charm. It has a Catholic Church a community hall a general store and a recreation reserve. There’s even a tennis club and a cricket club. The area is abundant with native wildlife. Kangaroos wombats and possums are common. You might even spot a koala. Lush forests surround the town offering numerous walking tracks. Maryknoll is a testament to the vision of Father Pooley. It showcases a unique blend of faith community and rural life. A true haven in the bush.