The recent owners of this historic complex. Dr. Ronald Shaw Hemmings (1929 - 1991) and Miss Moya Kathleen O'Neill (1923-1992) owned the Bradley Grange from 1978 and presided over its identification and restoration as a valuable part of Goulburn's history. During their tenure the historic value of this remarkable complex was studied and the various heritage authorities were made aware of its significance, so that it is now classified by the National Trust, has a Permanent Conservation Order on its total structure, and is registered by the Australian Heritage Commission as part of the National Estate. Archeological, geophysical, historical and architectural surveys of the buildings and grounds have been conducted in this time. A Conservation Plan has been developed, based on these studies. Extensive restoration plans have been formulated by heritage conservation architects, a works programme scheduled and submitted to and approved by the NSW Heritage Council. The restoration programme was launched by NSW Premier, Neville Wran, in 1982.

Previous owners, Hedley and Joyce Carman, safeguarded the buildings and their irreplaceable contents, ensuring that the integrity and continuity of the place was preserved. Under Dr. Hemmings' and Miss O'Neill's ownership, the place came into active life again in a variety of ways and brewing resumed in the traditional manner. The first of the restored Ales was drawn from the tap on 30th December, 1990 --- sixty-one years to the day since the last ale had been drawn and the brewery closed on 30th December, 1929.

Not only was a brewing licence regained but also an hotel licence was obtained and an hotel began trading on Melbourne Cup Day, 7th November, 1989. A Theatres and Public Halls Licence also was secured enabling up to 500 persons to be entertained in the complex at any one time. Modern facilities have been introduced --- electricity and sewerage services, natural gas supply, etc, including three phase power throughout the commercial area. Function Rooms, a Gallery, Theatre Restaurant and dance hall, historical displays, and visitor accommodation in the old Brewer's Cottage and in the Mews of Workers' Cottages are features of the present day complex. The Brewery operates on a commercial basis, producing Ale and Stout for consumption in the Hotel where the product continues to be well received. The place has become a popular venue for weddings, parties and conferences. The Hotel is open for trading seven days a week from 11 a.m., offering a full range of beverages, besides the traditional ales brewed on the premises. The dining room features quality food from a varied menu which from time to time features indigenous foods such as kangaroo meats. The restored brews are attracting considerable attention and are being written about in various parts of the world, prompting many visitors to Australia to seek the place out for a refreshing interlude. All these activities were initiated, funded, and carried out in Dr. Hemmings' and Miss O'Neill's ownership. They took on a huge task at a time when heritage was not fashionable, and when the obstacles were formidable. That they were able to carry them through to successful completion would be enough to assure them a respected place in the annals of the Goulburn Brewery's extensive entrepreneurail history. However, their contribution has been much greater than this.

Throughout the period of their ownership, the Bradley Grange has been used as a rehabilitation centre for handicapped people, specifically people suffering from schizophrenia. This was Dr. Hemmings' area of specialty; in its diagnosis and effective treatment, he had no peer. Dr. Hemmings and Miss O'Neill were dedicated to this cause and both worked tirelessly for the welfare of these people who readily testify that their continuing health and well-being is due to their efforts.

Dr. Ronald Shaw Hemmings, MB., BS., D.P.M., F.R.A.N.Z.C.P., was born in Nundle, NSW, and graduated from Sydney University. He was at various times Captain in the Australian Army Medical Corps, Medical Officer at Napsbury Hospital, London; Consultant Psychiatrist at North Ryde Psychiatric Centre, Sydney; Princess Margaret Hospital, New Zealand and Sunnyside Hospital, New Zealand; Royal Park Hospital, Melbourne, Malvern Clinic and Glenhuntly Rehabilitation Centre, Melbourne. Later he was Senior Specialist in Psychiatry, North Ryde Psychiatric Centre, Sydney; Clinical Supervisor, Institute of Psychiatry, Sydney; and chief examiner, Nurses Registration Board. He became Senior Specialist in Psychiatry at Kenmore Hospital in 1976 where he remained until his retirement due to ill health in 1989. A new building at Kenmore Hospital housing acute treatment services has been named the Ron Hemmings Centre.

Miss Moya Kathleen O'Neill was born in Bruswick, Victoria, and settled in Canberra in the 1940s, where she was the principal of the Jimmy O'Halloran School of Dancing for many years and was a respected judge of ballroom dancing competitions throughout Australiasia. During Canberra's formative years, she not only ensured that debutantes entered the social world with refinement and style, but also managed to make their partners able to accompany them with a sometimess unaccustomed grace and ease of movement. Royal Military College Duntroon cadets were much sought after as partners in those days and many testimonials pay tribute to her efforts in teaching the cadets the art of ballroom dancing. Miss O'Neill came to join Dr. Hemmings in their Goulburn Brewery venture in 1978 and worked for some years at Woolworth's variety store in Goulburn, transferring from her position as Head Lady for that firm in Canberra.

Both Dr. Hemmings and Miss O'Neill saw the restoration of the Goulburn Brewery and the development of its other public features as providing context and setting for the rehabilitation work with people suffering from schizophrenia. Theirs was an imaginative concept. They translated it into practical reality with much energy and dedication, patience and good humour. They are much missed.

From the Goulburn & District Historical Society Bulletin No. 275, August, 1993

Michael O'Halloran