Step back in time this Foundation Day, as the historic Parramatta Female Factory throws open its doors on Saturday, 2nd November for a day of rich history, lively talks, and a dash of convict intrigue. Sponsored by the City of Parramatta, this free event invites visitors to discover Australia’s convict past at one of the nation’s most significant heritage sites — once home to thousands of female convicts from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

DATES & DEETS

This year’s event is packed with fascinating tours, historical talks, and mouth-watering treats, all set against the backdrop of the newly UNESCO World Heritage Tentative-listed Parramatta Female Factory and Institutions Precinct.

Visitors can look forward to talks from Judith Dunn AOM on the crimes of convict women and Gary Carter, who will discuss his new book, Parramatta – One Hundred Firsts. Meanwhile, the Matron Garden pop-up café will serve tea, scones, and homemade treats, along with a sausage sizzle to keep everyone fuelled for the day’s activities.

The Parramatta Female Factory was established in the 1820s, housing tens of thousands of female convicts, primarily from the British Isles. These women were convicted of a range of crimes, typically petty theft or vagrancy, and were sentenced to transportation. The Female Factory served as a place of incarceration, hard labour, and punishment for female convicts.

Conditions in the factory were harsh, and women there were subjected to humiliating practices such as having their heads shaved and undergoing hard labour. The site also served as Australia’s first dedicated women’s hospital, and later, as an asylum. It also became a refuge for orphaned children and vulnerable young women. 

Today, the precinct stands as a poignant reminder of Australia’s convict past and social welfare history. The precinct is recognised for its “outstanding heritage value to the nation,” preserving the stories of institutionalised women and children over time.

“The Parramatta Female Factory was a brutal place, particularly for the poor, the lonely, and the powerless,” said Federal Minister for the Environment, Tanya Plibersek. “It’s important that we learn from our mistakes, as much as we learn from our many successes. We want the memory of these women and girls to live on, which is why we are adding the Parramatta Female Factory to Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List.”

With tours of the newly opened research centre and fresh displays of large-format photographs, Foundation Day 2024 promises a meaningful and engaging experience for all.


Pictures: The Parramatta Female Factory Friends at Foundation Day. Credit: parramattafemalefactoryfriends.com.au.