A PASSION for telling stories about the men and women who worked for Newcastle’s BHP steelworks has earned Aubrey Brooks this year’s NSW Government Heritage Volunteer of the Year Award.
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Mr Brooks, who has lived at Tanilba Bay since BHP closed in 1999, was presented the award by Newcastle MP Tim Owen last Wednesday.
“I’m very honoured, but this award is not for me,” Mr Brooks said.
“It is for the men and women who worked and died for BHP.”
Mr Brooks, vice-president of the Newcastle Industrial Heritage Association, comes from a long line of men who worked for Newcastle BHP, a family tradition that would eventually span a collective 125 years and three generations.
He started work as a rivet cook at the wagon shop in 1961, staying at BHP until its closure.
But he was recognised for his work since BHP’s closure.
“As remarkable as Mr Brooks’ service to BHP was during his time of employment at the Newcastle plant, it has perhaps been his activities since the plant’s closure, where he has made his greatest contribution,” Mr Owen said.
Mr Brooks is taking bookings for group tours at the BHP Newcastle Muster Point Memorial and to speak at club functions. Phone 4984 5264.
