We’re
excited to reveal our upcoming plans to celebrate Ford Australia’s centenary,
which started at Geelong’s Dalgety Wool Store in 1925 before moving to a larger
premises at Norlane.
The
City will host two free events at the National Wool Museum on Saturday 24 May
and Sunday 25 May (1pm – 3pm) called ‘100 Years of Ford in Geelong: The
Cars, The People & The Local Legacy.’
These
unique events will feature a short screening of archival material, followed by
an engaging panel discussion. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity
to view a small collection of archival display items, offering a tangible
connection to Ford's storied past in Geelong.
Explore
the rich history and lasting legacy of Ford in Geelong from multiple
perspectives, including the company's impact, the local industry's evolution,
and the passionate community of Ford enthusiasts.
While
these events are free, spots are strictly limited, and community members must
secure tickets.
Australia
was one of the first markets Ford established outside North America and Geelong
was selected for an assembly plant because of its convenient location to the
port and railways, available land and labour force.
The
very first Australian-assembled Model T rolled off the Geelong assembly line in
1925, with the plant transforming into a centre of innovation when the first
‘ute’ was designed by Lew Bandt and built here in 1934.
Ford
Falcons, Fairlanes and Territories are just some of the homegrown models to be
produced and the last Australian-made straight-six and V8 engines were
manufactured in 2016. Ford even built military vehicles during World War Two,
with women stepping up to replace the large male workforce who had left to
fight.
While
Ford Australia no longer manufactures cars in Norlane, it is the site of their
Research and Development Centre and served as a state vaccination hub during
the COVID-19 pandemic. The company still retains its 900 hectare You Yangs
Proving Ground at Lara.
Ford
Australia and the Geelong Football Club are celebrating 100 years of their
partnership, touted as the world’s longest running in professional sport.
Greater
Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The community is proud to be part of
Australian automotive history.
The
Ford factory in Geelong and then Norlane formed a significant part of our
region’s identity and put Geelong on the map as a manufacturing hub with a
skilled workforce, something that remains true today.
Family
histories ran deep at Ford, with multiple generations working at the plant and
some spending their whole working lives there.
Loyalty
to Ford continues in our region’s mindset and collective history, and we
congratulate Ford Australia on its centenary.
Councillor
Eddy Kontelj
Council is excited to celebrate 100 years of Ford Australia
in Geelong.
If
you or a family member worked at the Ford factory and the dealerships that
maintained the vehicles, or you’re a car or history nut, or just want to learn
more about Geelong’s manufacturing heritage, we invite you to get your ticket
to 100 Years of Ford in Geelong.
This
is a chance for you to take a deep dive into old photos, interviews and
interesting history that reflect our region’s proud manufacturing roots and
contributed to the city’s UNESCO Creative City of Design designation.