All Hunter residents, especially former BHP Newcastle steelworks’ workers and their families, are able to attend an event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the steelworks’ official opening on Tuesday June 2, 2015 at 10am thanks to the support of local business

All Hunter residents, especially former BHP Newcastle steelworks’ workers and their families, are able to attend an event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the steelworks’ official opening on Tuesday June 2, 2015 at 10am thanks to the support of local business.

Newcastle Industrial Heritage Association (NIHA) is hosting the event at ‘The Muster Point’ at the entrance to the former steelworks. The event will include the unveiling of a commemorative sculpture and the sealing of a steel time capsule.

NIHA President and event organiser Bob Cook said the centenary of the steelworks’ opening is a significant milestone in the region’s history that warrants celebrating. He said the celebration has been made possible because of the support of four businesses.

BHP Billiton is the major sponsor of the event. Other long time supporters of NIHA - Arrium, Hunter United Credit Union and Phoenix Health Fund - are supporting the event or the construction of sculpture and time capsule. Funding for the sculpture also came from a NSW Government Community Building Partnership Grant, the Australian Workers Union, NIHA and many other small groups and individuals.

“The steelworks has left its mark on the people and businesses of Newcastle and the Hunter,” Bob said.

“The majority of Hunter people know or are related to someone who once worked at the steelworks.”

“It is wonderful to see business supporting Government and other community members to ensure we appropriately celebrate and preserve this important part of our region’s history.”

“We wouldn’t have been able to have the right sort of commemoration without this business support.”

What | 100th Anniversary of BHP establishing steelmaking in Newcastle
When | Tuesday June 2 from 10am
Where | Muster Point, former BHP steelworks site, Cnr Industrial Dr and Selwyn St, Mayfield
RSVP | People can just turn up, no need to book.

NEWCASTLE INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE ASSOCIATION
Newcastle Industrial Heritage Association Inc. is a community group formed in May 2000, following the closure of the BHP Newcastle steelworks, to promote the role that all industries, particularly Hunter industries and manufacturing, have played in Australia’s development.

It facilitates and presents research into the Hunter Region’s industrial heritage and seeks to promote tourism and adaptive reuse of existing industrial heritage sites, buildings and moveable objects.

NIHA organises annual reunions for Newcastle steelworkers and tours on the history of Newcastle steelmaking.