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The
buildings and structures of the historic Parramatta Female Factory Precinct are located on the traditonal lands of the Burramattagal
people after which Parramatta was named. |
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Parramatta was the birthplace of our
nation’s first attempts in the provision of welfare services. The first of these being convict women and their children
who on arrival to the colony of NSW were sent to Parramatta as ‘hut keepers’. In providing a place of refuge for
them additions were made to Parramatta’s colonial gaol in 1804. In 1821 a new facility for convict women and their children
was built. This was known as the Female Factory and it operated as such until 1848. During this time all ‘foundling’
babies were dispatched to the Factory to be breast fed by nursing mothers confined to the Factory. In 1841 Australia’s first government built and funded Catholic Orphanage was built on land adjacent to the Female Factory. This institution operated until 1886 when the then Sisters of the Good Shepherd were ordered to vacate the premises. In 1887 these premises were proclaimed an Industrial School for Girls operating as such until 1983. The site’s long association with women and children did not cease until April 2008 with the closure of the Norma Parker Detention Centre for Women (formerly Parramatta Girls Home). The Parramatta Female Factory Precinct has, until recently, remained a hidden chapter in Australian history yet it is one of the most significant sites associated with women and children since the early days of the colony.
Help
us save this site for future generations! We
propose that the Precinct be utilized as a cultural & heritage tourism site —a Living Memorial for all Australians…more….
NEWS FLASH
We
urge anyone who is interested in supporting the recommendations of these reports to attend. A Woman's Place Few
people are aware that Women’s fight for equality and the evolution of Australia’s welfare system are bound together
at this site. In
1973 the Women’s Liberation Movement staged protests outside the gates of the Parramatta Girls Home calling for welfare
reforms and the closure of the institution. Arts & Cultural Events The Precinct's Institutions have
featured in plays written by Alana Valentine, Parramatta Girls performed at the Belvoir Street Theatre
in 2007 and Eyes to the Floor, performed at the Griffith Regional Theatre, also Andre Greenwells production
Dreaming Transportation performed at the Riverside Theatre.
The story of the Female Factory women and children has inspired artist Christina Henri in the development of her work Departures & Arrivals, and Roses from the Heart. Christina's interest in the plight of convict women continues in the production of bonnets each representing a convict woman. For more information please visit here: URBAN THEATRE PROJECT The Fence The fence is a new theatre work devised by a team of artists working in consultation with older community members, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, who have experienced growing up in Homes and institutions. The Fence will premiere in January 2010 as part of the Sydney Festival. Creative development of the work will begin in Parramatta in June 2009. The Urban Theatre Project will work closely with care-leavers as consultants during this development period. A free community showing of work developed thus far is scheduled for July 17th at UTP's Parramatta site. Contact Urban Theatre Projects ph: 02 9707 2111 or mail@urbantheatre.com.au if you wish to learn more about this project and be kept updated on its development and community showings. |
 
Visit the Precinct To walk around the Precinct is to take
a step back in time with its old buildings, plantings and river views. There is a sense of ghosts wanting to speak
out and a living history that needs to be told. Individuals and groups are welcome to explore the site during the annual Wisteria Garden festival held at Cumberland Hospital in early spring or enjoy a self guided tour of the site. click here to download precinct guide & map
Looking
for a guest speaker? Want to know more about the Precinct? The Living Memorial Campaign? Parramatta Girls Home? Please
contact us.
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Parramatta Female Factory Precinct Inc.
PO Box 2028 North Parramatta NSW 1750 |
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