Steelworkers memorial to be reopened to the community
The Minns Labor Government will be reopening the Newcastle Steelworkers Memorial at Mayfield to the community following work to secure the site for safe public access and create an area for visitors.
The NSW Government is erecting a perimeter fence to create a 2.12 hectare area for the memorial and safely separate the site from adjacent industrial land, the memorial will be opened to public access via Selwyn Street from 6am to 6pm, seven days a week.
The BHP steelworks was vitally important to the Hunter as one of Australia’s largest employers and a key economic driver, earning Newcastle its ‘Steel City’ nickname and helping shape the city’s industrial identity over its 84 years of operation.
Unveiled in 2015 on the 100th anniversary of the BHP steelworks’ opening, the Newcastle Steelworkers Memorial is an important tribute to the men and women who worked at the steelworks from 1915 until its closure in 1999.
It includes the Muster Point, a prominent steel and bronze sculpture which was fabricated on-site by artist Julie Squires and steelworkers before the plant closed.
The 16 metre long, 8 metre high and 12 metre-wide walk-through sculpture portrays the steelworkers’ experience with features including a clock, whistle, locomotive driver, men on the gates symbolising friendship, and a cross honouring those who died on the job.
The Newcastle Steelworkers Memorial was originally established by the Newcastle Industrial Heritage Association (NIHA) with Newcastle City Council formerly managing the site under a licence that expired in 2019. The memorial has not been widely accessible for at least five years, with occasional access facilitated via the NIHA.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“Newcastle and the Hunter have a proud industrial heritage supported by the region’s loyal workers and forged on the back of industries like steelmaking and power generation that have helped drive the NSW and Australian economies.
“For too long this marvellous tribute to our steelworkers has been restricted, so I will be very proud to see the memorial back on full public display in a parkland setting.”
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“The Newcastle Steelworkers Memorial is a wonderful tribute to the men and women who worked at the BHP Newcastle Steelworks from 1915 to 1999, including those who lost their lives on the job, so it’s fantastic that community access is being restored.
“This site will be a pleasant area to visit to relax and commemorate the memorial and reflect on the steelworkers who helped shape Newcastle’s famous steel city identity.”
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:
“I’ve been advocating for the reactivation of this space for years. I want to thank the Newcastle Industrial Heritage Association, especially Aubrey Brooks and Bob Cook for their dedication to seeing the memorial reopened.
“The Muster Point is a spectacular artwork that encapsulates the lives and trade of thousands of Newcastle Steelworkers and recognises their contribution to Australian manufacturing.
“The reopening of the Steelworkers Memorial gives Novocastrians the chance to celebrate our Steel City and be proud of our industrial heritage. I am thrilled that it will be reopened to the public."