Queensland Division

“Mechanical Engineering and Foundry”

Hi, Warm Greetings from the Olds family.

It was a truly tremendous day, where we witnessed the dedication of what is considered to be Australia’s first memorial, ‘First Contact’, to Aboriginal warriors killed during white settlement.

Below is a video feature which show how the memorial was partly made in our small foundry and more. The video production was supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Coinciding with the unveiling is the Butchulla Warriors’ Memorial Pop-up Exhibition which runs to the 4^th June in the Gatakers Creative Space, Maryborough.

Butchulla Warriors’ Memorial – Pop-up Exhibition – Gatakers Artspace

This exhibition showcases the development of the Butchulla Warriors’ Memorial from concept to completion and includes photographs and casting materials, moulding sand, a melting crucible and some bronze ingot from Olds Engineering Maryborough.

The Butchulla Warriors’ Memorial is considered to be the first of its kind. Dedicated to Butchulla Men who died defending Butchulla Country. It remembers those who gave their lives in conflicts cause by colonisation of this country from 1788. It serves not to attach blame or guilt, but to recognise what took place and honour those Aboriginal Men who lost their lives.

The Butchulla Warriors’ Memorial is a testament to true reconciliation. Many people from various backgrounds have come together with a united aim – to share this story. It is an example of how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in Australia.

This project was initiated by Butchulla Men`s Business Aboriginal Association Inc. and Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Kind regards,

Robert Olds
Managing Director

Wm. Olds & Sons Pty. Ltd. trading as OLDS ENGINEERING
ABN 33 009 859 250 – MECHANICAL ENGINEERING & FOUNDRY
78-80 North Street, Maryborough Q, 4650 Australia
P.O. Box 3030, Pallas St. Post Office, Maryborough Q, 4650
Phone: 07 4121 3649 Fax: 07 4123 3590 International Phone +61 7 4121 3649 Fax: +61 7 4123 3590
Innovative Engineering Excellence ~ serving over 100 years