Lang Park Munitions tribute unveiled

Thursday, 15 February 2018

A new plaque acknowledging the contribution of the men and women who worked at the Munitions Factory during World War 2 was unveiled this week by Penrith Mayor John Thain.

A new plaque acknowledging the contribution of the men and women who worked at the Munitions Factory during World War 2 was unveiled this week by Penrith Mayor John Thain.

The refurbished Munitions Workers Memorial Garden in Lang Park was first dedicated in 1995 with the support of St Marys RSL Sub Branch. Since this time the RSL have worked hard to preserve the history of the site and the people the memorial honours.

Cr Thain said the memorial recognises the strong community spirit of the people of St Marys - past and present.

"The new plaque shares this history, including the fact that many of the Munitions Factory workers lived near here in "Duration Cottages" - housing installed for the duration of the war," Cr Thain said.

"And while the cottages usefulness outlived the conflict, I'm pleased to say a number still survive here in St Marys today."

The Munitions Factory was the second largest in Australia. It was made up of 850 buildings and sprawled for almost five kilometres. At its peak the munitions factory employed over 3,500 people playing an important role in the war effort and foreshadowing the capacity for growth and the ongoing industrial innovation in our City today.

Photo Caption: St Marys RSL Sub Branch Hon. Secretary Tony Fryer and Penrith Mayor John Thain unveil the new tribute in Lang Park.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 15 February 2018.