Broken Hill Trades Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Broken Hill Trades Hall |
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| Location | 34 Sulphide Street, Broken Hill, City of Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1898–1905 |
| Architect | Tom Jackson |
| Owner | Trades Hall Trust |
| Official name: Trades Hall | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 181 |
| Type | Hall Trades |
| Category | Community Facilities |
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The Broken Hill Trades Hall is a historic building in Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Tom Jackson and built between 1898 and 1905. This important building is owned by the Trades Hall Trust. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999 because of its special history.
Contents
A Place for Workers' Rights
The Broken Hill Trades Hall is famous for its connection to workers' rights. For many years, people in Broken Hill fought for fair pay and safe workplaces. This area became well-known for its strong unions and for standing up for workers.
Early Days of Unions
- The story of unions in Broken Hill began in 1884.
- Miners formed the Barrier Miners' Association.
- By 1886, this group moved to Broken Hill.
- It became the Barrier Branch of the Amalgamated Miners' Association.
- By 1889, this union helped workers get an eight-hour workday.
- They also pushed for help if workers got hurt on the job.
- Joining the union became a requirement for many workers.
Big Fights for Workers
In the 1890s, mining companies wanted to lower workers' pay. This led to big disagreements with the Amalgamated Miners' Association.
- In 1892, workers stopped working to protest.
- Mining companies tried to bring in non-union workers.
- Union leaders were arrested and faced consequences.
- Even though the workers did not win this fight, their spirit remained strong.
Building the Trades Hall
Plans for the Trades Hall started in 1890. However, after the 1892 strike, building began later.
- Construction started in 1898.
- Local architect Tom Jackson designed the building.
- He also watched over the building work.
- The first part of the building opened on 12 January 1899.
- It included a main hall and meeting rooms.
- The Amalgamated Miners' Association had an office there.
- Money was raised to finish the building.
- Other unions helped with fundraising events.
- The second part of the building started in 1904.
- This section added a large banquet room and offices.
- The completed Trades Hall opened in August 1905 with big celebrations.
Continuing the Fight
In the early 1900s, unions in Broken Hill grew stronger.
- They started their own newspaper, The Barrier Daily Truth, in 1898.
- They also created the Barrier Social Democratic Club in 1903.
- A British socialist named Tom Mann visited Broken Hill.
- He spoke to large crowds about workers' rights.
- Union leaders were so impressed they invited him back in 1908.
- He helped them in a dispute with the company BHP.
In 1908, BHP tried to cut wages. Unions fought back.
- The company closed its mines.
- They planned to reopen with lower pay.
- Unions protested outside the mine.
- This dispute lasted 20 weeks.
After World War I, unions pushed for better safety and shorter work hours.
- Long protests in 1919-1920 led to a 35-hour work week.
- Unions in Broken Hill kept fighting for their members' rights.
Today, the Broken Hill Trades Hall is still used by unions. It houses the Barrier Industrial Council, the Broken Hill Town Employees' Union, and a branch of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union.
What the Trades Hall Looks Like
The Broken Hill Trades Hall was built between 1898 and 1905. It is one of the few old Victorian-style buildings left in Broken Hill. It hasn't changed much on the outside since it was built.
- It is made of stone and painted.
- It has a special roof called a mansard roof.
- Above the main door, there is a glass window called a fanlight with roses.
- Inside, the main hall has a huge ceiling.
- This ceiling is painted in shades of green with a cool geometric pattern.
The Collection
The Trades Hall also has a collection of items. These items tell the story of the union movement in Broken Hill.
- It includes union badges and banners.
- There are two large flags from the Amalgamated Miners' Association.
- You can also see old documents, like maps from the 1909 protests.
- There are letters and other papers.
- These items help us understand the history of workers in Broken Hill.
Heritage Listing
The Trades Hall was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it is a very important historical building that needs to be protected.
