Parramatta Female Factory
Highlights
Overview
National Heritage-Listed Parramatta Female Factory is the first and only surviving purpose-built factory for female convicts in Australia. All the other 12 Female Factories were modelled on Parramatta and all 12 have been demolished. There are two 1821 Francis Greenway Buildings - the Matron's Quarters and Administration Building and the Lying-In Hospital which is the first female hospital in Australia. Its midwives delivered 1000s of children. The Factory has an 1826 3rd Class Penitentiary where all 6 Riots occurred between 1821-1848. The Factory walls date from 1818 to 1833 such as Governor's Gipps Yard Wall which enclosed the Gipps 72 cell solitary confinement building (demolished).
The clock mechanism in the clock tower made by Thwaites & Reed in 1821 houses an 1821 Brass bell which is one of 5 gifted by King George IV on his ascension to the crown. Whilst the original Greenway Barracks were demolished to rebuild with the same sandstone as the Barracks (1818) - an 1870s Lunatic Asylum (Male Ward 1) and the builders were instructed to install the King's clock tower and bell and it still keeps time.
The Parramatta Female Factory & Institutions Precinct is in the process of being listed for World Heritage through UNESCO.
Accessibility
A quiet space is available at the venue/ facility
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
Adhere to The Food Authority requirements for allergy management in food preparation
Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss
Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
Have a wheelchair accessible toilet / shower and change room
Have accessible seating areas in theatrette
Have an accessible public toilet which is unlocked
Have doorways which are easy to open and have lever handles (doorways 850mm or wider when open and not heavy)
Have equipment to respond to anaphylactic shock such as epi–pens and defibrillator
Have step free access to the conference or function room
Have step free outdoor pathways (includes picnic areas, barbecues and shelters)
Provide seating in common areas including reception area
Provide toiletries which are chemical and fragrance free (if requested)
Train your staff in customer service for people with vision loss (training would incorporate way finding and communicating with people with vision loss)
Train your staff in communicating with people with learning or behavioural challenges
Train your staff to respond to allergic reactions
Use organic (chemical and fragrance free) cleaning products
Use organic (chemical and fragrance free) deodorisers in public areas and rooms
Use Plain English / easy read signage and information (includes menus and emergency information)
Website meets WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)