ATP Heritage Community Day - Friday 16 May 2014

Experience Sydney’s rich industrial past at ATP

“We used buckets to wash. Workers would heat up a piece of steel and dunk it in the water to warm it up. We had just three minutes to clean ourselves.”

Richard Butcher worked as a Blacksmith at Eveleigh Railyards in the 1950s, now the site of Australian Technology Park (ATP). Mr Butcher will be sharing his stories of a bygone era at the ATP Heritage Community Days on 16 and 17 May as part of the National Trust Heritage Festival.

“Blacksmithing was a challenge - it was very hot and there was no refrigerated water on site or showers. We would be able to stand up a pair of overalls like suits of armour because of the coal and oil.”

Mr Butcher worked on site for six years and will be sharing more fascinating stories about ATP’s industrial past at the ATP Heritage Community Days.

“ATP recognises its rich past,” he says. “There were 4,900 people that worked here so my role as a tour guide for this event will capture the activities and the history that once was. The park still is a hub of activity and workers in a modern day setting and it is fantastic that the park continues to celebrate its industrial history.

“My grandfather and father both worked for the railways and I really enjoyed my time working here so I am looking forward to inviting the community to share this experience of what the Park used to be like.”

Richard will be joined by other passionate volunteers and is inviting families to the free ATP Heritage Community Days on Friday, 16 and Saturday, 17 May 2014. Tours will run from the Locomotive Workshop at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.

There will be real Blacksmith demonstrations by Wrought Artworks and train displays courtesy of ATP tenant 3801 Ltd where everyone will be welcomed aboard to explore restored historical train carriages and engines. Devonshire tea will be served in the buffet with a backdrop of 1920s train memorabilia and décor.

“The Eveleigh Rail Yards was one of the largest of its kind and produced some of the finest steam locomotives in the world. This space represents a unique part of Sydney and Australia’s industrial heritage and it is fantastic that the public can access it,” added Mr Butcher.

The Locomotive Workshop at ATP has been kept predominately in its original state and is easily accessible to the community being a short walk from Redfern Station.

For more information visit 

Australian Technology Park is home to a range of businesses leading the way in innovation, science, technology and media. The onsite ATP Conference Centre also attracts world class events in a unique heritage setting.

MoiraSaunders | Communications Manager | P +61 2 9209 4162 | F +61 2 9209 4222 | W: www.atp.com.au

Australian Technlogy Park Sydney Limited  | Suite 3220, Locomotive Workshop, 2 Locomotive Street, Eveleigh NSW 2015