Warragamba Dam's 50th Anniversary Celebrations

The Challenge

The Sydney Catchment Authority was tasked with celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Warragamba Dam completion.

The event had to occur on numerous levels to ensure everyone who was involved with the mammoth task of building the Dam felt rewarded and part of the day.

This included past workers, their families, the local community, the Indigenous community and invited guests from the Government, media and supporters.

The Creation

We were appointed as the event producers to bring this brief to life with numerous events that targeted the different audiences over the one day in October. This included ensuring the site was set-up for the 15,000 members of the public who travelled from all over Australia to play their part.

The day began with an official ceremony that included a cacophony of didgeridoos to represent the sounds heard around the Dam, a procession of flags that represented each of the countries from which the builders came – a number carried by descendants – to a theatrical ceremony and unveiling of the tribute to the families who lost someone in the construction.

A reunion and lunch for former workers and their partners was held on site, surrounded by stunning images of the construction. This was a fantastic chance for everyone to catch up and bond with old friends, some they hadn’t seen in over 50 years.

For the general community there were numerous activities from the Water For Life exhibition, a Water Wall of Thanks, walk over the Dam – the first time in 10 years – to a mini zoo and live music. The weather was perfect, the infrastructure ran smoothly and the feeling at the Dam was a true reflection of the Australian spirit.

The Outcome

The following comment from one Dam Builder sums it up...

"The day was absolutely flawless and the ‘welcome to country’ and didgeridoo performances were remarkable. I was impressed by the flags of nation’s parade and moved by the memorial dedication. It must have been a tremendous task to organise and present such a spectacular ceremony. Thank you for all your efforts."