The AMP building, now known as 33 Alfred Street, was recently added to the heritage register in recognition of its groundbreaking contribution to the state’s architectural and cultural history. It was the tallest building in Sydney when completed in 1962 and was considered a marvel of modernity, featuring innovative technologies such as ducted air-conditioning and automatic document conveyors. The building had a significant impact on Sydney’s CBD and skyline, redefining urban design and influencing workplace concepts. It was opened by Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies and was a symbol of progress and innovation.
Toganmain, located near Darlington Point in the Riverina, is one of Australia’s most significant woolsheds, boasting a size of 93 metres by 46 metres wide. The woolshed witnessed more than seven million sheep being shorn and holds a record for shearing over 202,000 sheep in a month. The historic site, with its rich history, has inspired various artistic works, including Banjo Paterson’s poem “Flash Jack from Gundagai” and a song by The Bushwackers. Efforts are currently underway to fundraise and preserve the sheds, recognizing their cultural significance and historical value.
The Palace Hotel in Broken Hill has become a place of pilgrimage for those on road trips or outback adventures, as well as for individuals celebrating milestone birthdays, particularly their 50th. The hotel made a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community through its portrayal in the iconic film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” which resonated with many, serving as a coming-out story for some. Broken Hill councillor Darriea Turley expressed astonishment at the influence of drag queens on the town’s economy, highlighting the unexpected growth and cultural significance of the mining town.
Fitz Roy Iron Works, which operated in Mittagong from 1848 to 1877, played a pioneering role in the iron industry in Australia. The site’s archaeological remains and moveable heritage have been preserved in a conservation project, showcasing the only known physical remnants of 19th-century iron processing in the country. The heritage listing recognizes the historical importance of the iron works in shaping Australia’s industrial landscape and acknowledges its contribution to the development of the nation’s iron industry.
The AMP building, with its iconic status as the “grand old dame of city skyscrapers,” has left a lasting impact on Sydney’s architectural landscape, influencing urban design and workplace concepts. Toganmain woolshed stands as a testament to Australia’s rich history of sheep farming and shearing, embodying the country’s rural heritage and agricultural practices. The Palace Hotel in Broken Hill has become a cultural landmark, attracting visitors on pilgrimage and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community’s representation in the iconic film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” Likewise, Fitz Roy Iron Works in Mittagong stands as a significant historical site, preserving the industrial heritage of Australia’s early iron industry and contributing to the country’s industrial development. Each of these sites holds historical, cultural, and architectural significance, reflecting Australia’s diverse and dynamic heritage.
