Ford Australia’s legacy began at Geelong’s Dalgety Wool Store in 1925 before moving to a larger premises at Norlane.
To celebrate Ford’s centenary, City of Greater Geelong will host two free events at the National Wool Museum on Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25 from 1pm to 3pm, called ‘100 Years of Ford in Geelong: The Cars, The People & The Local Legacy.’
The events will feature a short screening of archival material, followed by an engaging panel discussion. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to view a small collection of archival display items, offering a tangible connection to Ford’s storied past in Geelong.
Explore the rich history and lasting legacy of Ford in Geelong from multiple perspectives, including the company’s impact, the local industry’s evolution, and the passionate community of Ford enthusiasts.
While these events are free, spots are strictly limited, and community members must secure their tickets at geelong.link/100YearsOfFord
Australia was one of the first markets Ford established outside North America and Geelong was selected for an assembly plant because of its convenient location to the port and railways, available land and labour force.
The very first Australian-assembled Model T rolled off the Geelong assembly line in 1925, with the plant transforming into a centre of innovation when the first ‘ute’ was designed by Lew Bandt and built here in 1934.
Ford Falcons, Fairlanes and Territories are just some of the homegrown models to be produced and the last Australian-made straight-six and V8 engines were manufactured in 2016. Ford even built military vehicles during World War Two, with women stepping up to replace the large male workforce who had left to fight.
While Ford Australia no longer manufactures cars in Norlane, it is the site of their Research and Development Centre and served as a state vaccination hub during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company still retains its 900 hectare You Yangs Proving Ground at Lara.
Ford Australia and Geelong Football Club are celebrating 100 years of their partnership, touted as the world’s longest running in professional sport.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said the community was proud to be part of Australian automotive history.
“The Ford factory in Geelong and then Norlane formed a significant part of our region’s identity and put Geelong on the map as a manufacturing hub with a skilled workforce, something that remains true today,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“Family histories ran deep at Ford, with multiple generations working at the plant and some spending their whole working lives there.
“Loyalty to Ford continues in our region’s mindset and collective history, and we congratulate Ford Australia on its centenary.”
