Mitcham Waterworks: Excavation of Brick Well and Dam Wall

The Mitcham Water Works (1879-1930s) was re-discovered in 2002 during field surveys for the Hills Face Zone Cultural Heritage Progam. Subsequent research failed to identify a similar example of 19th century water storage and reticulation technology in Australia and in recent years recommendations for its protection and conservation have been made on several occasions. The Mitcham Tank, at the western end of the water works, is on the South Australian Register of Heritage Places, but was listed without reference to the rest of the complex. The rest of the complex has now been recommended for heritage listing by the City of Mitcham.

This excavation program will expose two of the major structures of the water works which have been buried by sediments eroding from a large upstream quarry. By exposing the brick well and the dam wall we can assess their condition and decide on a conservation strategy and whether it will be feasible to restore the water works


State: SA

Where: Off Brownhill Creek Road, Mitcham (access to site by arrangement only)

When: 17th – 21st May 2010; 8.30AM – 4.00PM

Cost: Free

Contact: Dr Pam Smith, 82788172 or smithric@tpg.com.au for details or to volunteer