Local history and heritage were in the spotlight at the 21st annual meeting of the Catholic Diocesan Archivists of Australia (CDAA), recently hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta.
The three-day conference brought together around 16 archivists across Australia, along with history buffs and cyber security experts, to share knowledge and gain insights on the latest developments in preserving the Church’s rich history and heritage for future generations.
The role of the archivist is pivotal to the Church in ensuring records are properly preserved and maintained. As Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, stated in his welcome address, “The archivist is aptly described as a ministry of memory.”
“Recording our history and informing our heritage for both today and tomorrow is indeed a privilege and a duty that we carry out for the good of the Church,” he said.
Retired local priest Monsignor John Boyle and Records and Archive Manager Diane Van Aken shared the history of the Diocese of Parramatta and the lands on which the Diocese operates. The history of the local area can be traced back to its traditional custodians, including the Burramattagal clan, who resided along the banks of the Parramatta River for more than 30,000 years.
Retired Diocesan priest Monsignor John Boyle explores the history of the Diocese of Parramatta and the Parramatta region during the 21st annual meeting of the Catholic Diocesan Archivists of Australia (CDAA) in Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
Included in the region’s local history is the first masonry bridges in Australia designed by (and named after) David Lennox, one of the two earliest Christian parishes in Australia (St John’s Anglican Cathedral, Parramatta), one of the oldest homesteads in Australia (Elizabeth Farm) and the century-old Our Lady of Mercy College in Parramatta, which was founded in 1889 by the Sisters of Mercy.
As part of the conference gathering, CDAA archivists had the unique opportunity to tour Australia’s first hospital for women and nationally heritage-listed Parramatta Female Factory. The tour was led by renowned local historian Judith Dunn OAM.
The Parramatta Female Factory was commissioned by Governor Lachlan Macquarie and designed by Francis Greenway with high sandstone walls to hold ‘unassigned’ convict women and children – including Catholics. It was in operation for nearly 30 years until 1848.
Local historian Judith Dunn OAM leads a tour of the Parramatta Female Factory for archivists and Chancery staff members during the 21st annual meeting of the Catholic Diocesan Archivists of Australia (CDAA) in Parramatta. Image: Mary-Jane Chemuel/Diocese of Parramatta
The facility often exceeded its maximum capacity of 300, and was known to hold more than 1200 women and more than 260 children within its inescapable walls.
In 1838, the Sisters of Charity began their ministry in Australia by assisting the convict women and their children in the facility. The Parramatta Roman Catholic Orphan School site was built nearby in the 1840s.
Around 1 in 10 Australians can trace their ancestry to the institution.
Records and Archive Manager Diane Van Aken said the conference was a lovely opportunity to meet and discuss challenges and celebrate achievements.
“I always look forward to collaborating with my colleagues – there is always something new to learn,” she said.
“We continue to focus on current record management, emerging technologies and legislation to preserve the history and heritage of the Diocese of Parramatta and the Catholic Church in Australia.”
Archivists from across Australia during the 21st annual meeting of the Catholic Diocesan Archivists of Australia (CDAA) in Parramatta. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta
