Run by the Sisters of Mercy and the Catholic Church until its closure, the orphanage housed males from the ages of 5 to 16 initially.

Accounts by former residents state that they suffered severe beatings and punishments, and that they were issued a single set of clothing that was rarely washed.

The orphanage is currently owned by businessman John Ferrara who has proposed a number of redevelopments on the site, including the building's restoration.

The main front part of the building faces north, and the entrance gates are located on Mundy Street.

Because of a sudden fall in the land, the pavement is several feet above the natural surface which necessitated a flight of stone steps towards the entrance.

[6] In addition, 3 hectares (7.4 acres) of land was purchased, which contained an ample field suitable enough for all types of gardening.

The block which contained the sanitary requirements for the building was connected by a covered way and is well ventilated by air shafts, latticed doors, and louvres.

[b][4][9] All of the girls from the old orphanage were removed, and boys aged eight and older were moved there and waited for a permanent home.

Catholic generosity, aided by a spirit of philanthropy, charity, genuine and Christian altruism, which still happily reigned throughout the Australian Commonwealth, would not permit orphans to perish of hunger, thirst, or nakedness, even though the Governments refused to assist them because they went to confession or formed upon their breasts the Sign of the Cross, or offered prayer to God.The orphanage was run by the Sisters of Mercy and the Catholic Church until its closure in 1978.

[14][15] Shortly after opening, the orphanage experienced an increased demand for admission leading to the construction of a west wing and chapel in 1919.

However, it remained unfurnished for some time due to lack of funding, and the Sisters of Mercy subsequently refused admission.

[6][18][20] The orphanage endured minor damage in 1943 when a fire broke out just after midnight and destroyed quantities of firewood and two panels of fencing.

Approximately four per cent of all boys who stayed there were orphans, whereas the remainder had living parents; most of them either came from poor or troubled families who were unable to afford to look after them.

From 1979 to 1994, the building was leased to the Youth with a Mission Base, where people travelled from overseas to pursue discipleship training courses.

[4] At the end of the day, the boys would play sports, boxing, or other leisure activities, or have hockey or rugby league training if the weather was suitable.

[32] Another account by a boy who stayed at the orphanage states that when he arrived there, he was separated from his brother and was given a set of clothes to wear despite having his own.

Other accounts claim there were beatings, and repetitive rape, not only by the staff but also by older boys and the orphanage caretaker.

[36][37] It is described as being a part of "Australia's Bermuda Triangle of haunted places", which includes Kenmore Asylum and St. Joseph's Orphanage.

[c][18] The orphanage site is listed as a heritage conservation area under Goulburn Mulwaree Council's Local Environment Plan, which recognises its significance as a former boy's institution run by the Sisters of Mercy and the Catholic Church.

[40] Before the demolition of the buildings, the orphanage had been heavily vandalised, with surrounding residents regularly calling the police because the sounds of windows smashing and people entering without permission can be heard and seen frequently.

[45] As a result, city council has not issued Ferrara any development permits until restoration work to the orphanage is complete.

Ferrara planned the construction of gardens and pools on the vacant grounds, but the front of the complex would face no development.

[18] Although the development application was approved by the city council, the plans were dropped because the costs to redevelop the lot were too great.

[35] In 2009, work began to revamp the orphanage and convert it into a retirement village, with trees being cleared to construct a retaining wall.

Ferrara undertook a joint venture with Peter Madew, who was to assist with funding and the management needed for the construction.

They also proposed restoration efforts to the orphanage, which included painting, repairing holes in walls, and replacing windows.

However, the Goulburn Mulwaree Council has demanded that Ferrara must schedule repairs to the orphanage before any approval can be granted.

In response, Ferarra pledged to spend $250,000 on restoration works, covering downpipe, guttering, and roof repairs, as well as window replacements and external painting.

[41] The Goulburn Heritage Group stated that they were "upset and sickened" by the fire, and Ferrara responded by saying that he was disappointed, and that the building was not insured.

[54][55] Following the fire, the council ordered Ferrara to secure both the site and loose building materials such as roof iron.