With an extra 1000 jobs and almost $20 million headed to Gilmore, the Shoalhaven Historical Society has reflected on some of the region’s bygone industries.
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The News Leader reported on November 24, 1969 that Australian fashion wear manufacturers Palaco Ltd would open its $300,000 factory at Bomaderry that day.
The shirt manufacturer opened as part of a government program of decentralisation.
Nowra residents staffed the 28,000 square foot plant and 95 per cent of them were women.
The following is an extract from the News Leader’s 1969 article.
“When the plant reaches full production in 1970, women will still comprise over 95 percent of the total staff of 150.
“Palaco’s decision to decentralise to Nowra is in line with the company’s long-term plans to gain a bigger share of the Australian shirt market.
“The Nowra development will mean shorter lines of communication with the booming New South Wales and Queensland markets and better service for retailers in those areas.
“To the Nowra district it will mean another forward step in the Shoalhaven Shire plan to bring new industries, more employment, more prosperity and yet another success story for the NSW Department of Decentralisation and Development.”
Fast forward 18-months and the venture had come crashing down.
In 2012 the South Coast Register reflected on the closing of the business. The following is an extract from an article written by journalist Kathy Sharpe.
“Sadly the factory only operated for 18-months, before becoming the victim of government tariff cuts.
“In 1972, clothing maker Yakka had its eye on the factory, which had been custom-built for Pelaco.
“Sadly the factory only operated for 18-months, before becoming the victim of government tariff cuts.
“It hoped to reopen the factory that year, with Yakka bosses interviewing 137 local women for positions.
“It advertised for even more workers, estimating it would need around 400 workers per year. It took out large classifieds in local newspapers appealing ‘to the ladies of Nowra’.
“Finally, the company announced it would not come to Nowra, fearing the town would not be able to supply the numbers for the workforce required.
“The Pelaco building was eventually replaced by a Holden dealership on the site at the corner of Cambewarra Road and the roundabout at Bomaderry.”
