What can I say? The Brooke Moore fountain in Macchattie Park says it all, twice: “beloved physician & surgeon”.
Heritage is not just about buildings and places, it is also about objects and their stories, people and their stories and the natural environment. The Moore family ticks all four boxes.
My mate Mick still remembers Dr John’s son, Dr Brooke Moore. Larger than life, as superbly rendered by Reg Cambell in the Council Chambers foyer, with a wicked sense of humour, frightener of small children, decorated war hero, and eminent surgeon of Bathurst (b1900 – d1968).
When it comes to heritage, I am going to let photos glimpse the stories. The carriage in front of the Brooke Moore Centre is in William Street in1904, driven by Dr John, with daughter Moira and son Brooke (aged three). The fountain sits in the park opposite. The Historical Museum in the courthouse has an evocative display of Dr Brooke’s surgical instruments and memorabilia.
Did you know that Dr Brooke served with the Australian troops in Palestine and Greece in WW11, and volunteered to remain with them when they had to surrender to the enemy, despite having the option of evading capture? He then stayed with the troops as their doctor in camps in Greece and Poland, and was repatriated in late 1943. What a man, what a story.
Thought of the week: “Perhaps Council could refurbish the Brooke Moore Fountain, which is looking rather sad.”
by a humble heritage advocate – July 2026
column #346
