As Altona’s industrial skyline is rapidly changing with the dismantling of Qenos and parts of Mobil’s refining capability, a group of enthusiastic local people are working to capture the area’s industrial heritage from a variety of perspectives.

With a Make It Happen Grant from Hobsons Bay City Council, Graeme Reilly from Altona Laverton Historical Society, Nikki Gaskell, one of the last engineers on site at Qenos and Sandra Wilson, former Hobsons Bay councillor and mayor, have joined forces to source, sort and save images, artefacts and stories about Altona’s state significant industry over the decades.

Some of what they capture will be digitised and catalogued for future history buffs and some will be included in an exhibition to tell the story of Altona’s changing industrial landscape as part of 2027 Heritage Festival.

From July – September a series of drop-ins are scheduled at Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, the Men’s Shed and Truganina Explosives Reserve for people to share anything that provides a perspective on Altona industry as it rapidly becomes part of history.

Our group is also seeking volunteers to help digitise documents and images into Victorian Collections, an online database. Training will be provided and it is an opportunity to learn new skills in researching and cataloguing artefacts. It is also an opportunity to contribute to the heritage of our great suburbs and people.

Contact Sandra Wilson on 0432 161 777 for more information and keep an eye on our Upcoming In the Community for drop-in dates and locations.