Working Together to Preserve a National Treasure
The Parramatta Female Factory Friends (PFFF) is a registered not-for-profit organisation dedicated to protecting, researching, and interpreting the history and significance of the Parramatta Female Factory and Institutions Precinct.
Our business operations are guided by our vision, our constitution, and the principles of best practice in heritage management. This page provides access to key organisational documents that reflect our commitment to transparency, accountability, and heritage excellence.
Key Documents
The Vision of the Parramatta Female Factory Friends
Outlines our purpose, goals, and commitment to preserving and promoting the stories of the women who lived and worked at the Parramatta Female Factory.
View the Vision of Parramatta Female Factory Friends
Constitution of the Parramatta Female Factory Friends (2024)
Our governing document sets out the structure, membership, responsibilities, and procedures of the organisation.
Constitution of the Parramatta Female Factory Friends 2024
Parramatta Female Factory Friends – Roles and Responsibilities, Code of Conduct and WH&S Policy
The Parramatta Female Factory Friends – Roles and Responsibilities, Code of Conduct and Work Health & Safety Policy (updated November 2020) provides a comprehensive governance and operational framework for the organisation. It clearly defines the duties of office bearers and ex-officio roles, including the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and various coordinators, ensuring accountability and effective management. The Code of Conduct outlines the standards of professionalism, integrity, and respect expected of all members and committee representatives, reinforcing transparency, inclusivity, and ethical behaviour. Complementing this, the Work Health and Safety Policy demonstrates the Friends’ commitment to maintaining a safe environment for members, volunteers, and visitors through induction procedures, hazard reporting, emergency protocols, and compliance with public health and legislative requirements. Collectively, the document safeguards good governance, supports volunteer wellbeing, and upholds the professional standards expected of a leading heritage organisation.
Parramatta Female Factory Friends – Roles and Responsibilities, Code of Conduct and WH&S Policy
Parramatta Female Factory Friends – Research Centre & Babette Smith Collection – Research Plan
Parramatta Female Factory Friends – Research Centre & Babette Smith – Research Plan
Parramatta Female Factory Friends – Research Centre Collection Policy
Preserving Our Shared Heritage
The Parramatta Female Factory Friends Research Centre and Babette Smith Collection exists to protect, conserve and share the cultural legacy of the Parramatta Female Factory—one of Australia’s most important convict and social history sites.
Our Collection Policy outlines how we care for the objects, archives, and stories entrusted to us. It reflects our deep commitment to the Burra Charter principles and ensures that all collection activities meet recognised standards for museums and heritage.
Purpose of the Policy
The Collection Policy provides a clear framework for how we:
- Acquire, document and preserve material of historical and cultural significance to the Parramatta Female Factory and its wider context.
- Conserve provenance and authenticity, ensuring each item’s story is accurately recorded and protected.
- Support research, education and access, allowing current and future generations to explore the lives and experiences of the Factory’s women, workers and community.
- Comply with legislative and ethical standards, including the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW), Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986, and the Copyright Act 1968.
What the Collection Includes
The collection represents the material culture and documentary heritage of the Parramatta Female Factory, encompassing:
- Artefacts and archives related to the Factory’s operations, inmates, staff and community.
- The Babette Smith Bequest, including rare books, manuscripts and research materials.
- Art, photographs and creative works inspired by the Factory and its legacy.
- Archaeological and social history objects from the Parramatta region are connected to the site and its people.
Together, these form part of Australia’s Distributed National Collection, ensuring the Parramatta Female Factory’s stories remain embedded within the nation’s cultural memory.
Guiding Principles
Our approach to collecting and caring for heritage materials is grounded in professional ethics and best practice.
We commit to:
- Transparency and accountability in acquisitions and deaccessioning.
- Respect for cultural sensitivity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
- Collaboration and strategic partnerships with museums, archives and heritage institutions across Australia.
- Accessibility, through exhibitions, publications, research programs and online resources.
Why It Matters
Every object, document and story we preserve adds another thread to the fabric of Australia’s history. The Research Centre and Babette Smith Collection ensure that the voices of women once silenced by circumstance continue to be heard—honoured, studied and shared in the spirit of equality and remembrance.
To learn more or to view the full policy, please contact:
contact@parramattafemalefactoryfriends.com.au
The Parramatta Female Factory Friends – Research Centre Collection Policy
The Burra Charter
The foundational document for heritage practice in Australia, guiding our conservation approach in line with the Australian ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance.
The Burra Charter: The Australian ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance 2013
The Parramatta Female Factory and World Heritage Values
Outlines the Factory’s outstanding heritage significance and alignment with the UNESCO World Heritage criteria.
The Parramatta Female Factory and World Heritage Values
The Parramatta Female Factory Friends – Milestones and Achievements 2011-2022
Celebrates a decade of advocacy, research, education, and community engagement led by our members and volunteers.
The Parramatta Female Factory Friends – Milestones and Achievements 2011-2022
Parramatta Female Factory Site Interpretation and Research Centre
Details our plans and vision for the development of a world-class interpretation and research centre at the Factory.
Parramatta Female Factory Site Interpretation and Research Centre
Museum of Australian Identity – A New Vision
Presents our long-term goal to establish a Museum of Australian Identity, sharing the diverse stories that have shaped our nation.