Sew many tales at Palila reunion
MEMORIES of Melbourne Cup days and mornings spent working on the production line spilt forward during the Palila Clothing Factory workers reunion at Urban Grounds on Saturday.
The Palila Clothing Factory operated from 1948-1991 on Bowen and Neil streets, producing stubby shorts and work clothes. At its peak, it hired more than 150 workers.
Reunion organiser Grace Pettigrew, who worked as a machinist at the factory from 1978 to 1991, said the reunion had been a long time coming.
“I did the elastic in the back of the stubby shorts,” Ms Pettigrew said.
“I made some great friends, it was a lovely community type of place. I think it’s important we all keep in touch.”
Ms Pettigrew said the factory closed in 1991, due to rising competition caused by changes to imports and storm damage to the building.
“We were pretty devastated when we found out it was closing because most of us had worked there for a long time,” Ms Pettigrew said.
“There was a great culture at work. During the low times, instead of people getting put off, we all went to a four-day week.”
She said one of her favourite memories from the factory was Melbourne Cup Days.
“We used to get together and dress up on cup days,” she said.
“I remember we used to finish work early, go outside and have lunch under the umbrellas.”
More than 30 people attended the lunch. Ex-Palila factory workers are encouraged to contact Grace on 0429357801 or Wendy Burton on 0438328608.