Welcome to the Parramatta Female Factory Action Group blog.
This blog is for information and sharing ideas, thoughts and actions relating to the action to give the Parramatta Female Factory precinct to all Australians to enjoy, learn and experience.
The original hospital building which was the first dedicated female health service in Australia is now used as a credit union and paper storage. The 1825 third class yard and sleeping quarters has had large air conditioning substation placed in an area contravening the international Burra Charter and recently an application was put in to the Heritage branch of the Department of Planning to turn the 1825 third class sleeping quarters into a computer data room (an application stopped because of public outcry and our group’s actions). The building on the third class dining room site was subject to arson and is seriously in need of conservation. The Gipps 1830s courtyard currently has a dumping area for rubbish and discarded office and lounge furniture.
What can be expected, what next – perhaps selling our history to a developer or some other whim? We say – no more! Contact your politicians, contact the NSW Heritage Branch sign the online petition and add to our Australian social capital – link on the right of the page and tell as many people as you can. You can also download a hardcopy Information and petition brochure for our legal records
The fight to stop the computer data room going into the 3rd class sleeping quarters was successful but the site is still at risk. Although the group understands the challenges faced by the NSW Department of Health we believe that political will along with the voice of the people could ensure that the department has its service provision needs met and this significant site preserved.
It is time to give the factory to all Australians to experience, learn and enjoy.
Yours in community
Gay Hendriksen
President -Parramatta Female Factory Action Group
