Summary

Description of Anne Heffer's work in the Sunshine Harvester Works' Core Shop.

In April 1935, a 15 year old Anne Heffer joined the Sunshine Harvester Works' Core Shop where many young women were employed at the time. Anne remained with Sunshine Harvester Works until 1957 when she was retrenched following Massey-Ferguson's absorption of the firm. During her 22 year association with the company, Anne was declined work for only a brief period of time. She was laid off in December 1938 due to a lack of work in the factory, presumably due to the Great Depression. However, she returned the following year. Similarly, Anne's employment was temporarily terminated as a result of industrial action within the factory in 1946.

Anne recalled her time at the Core Shop in the 1980s. She remembered working hard in a dirty environment which was immensely hot and dangerous due to the furnaces firing and thick work uniforms worn. Work was particularly tiring during World War II when the company was in 24-hour production, manufacturing equipment for the Australian army. Anne and other women in the Core Shop worked six days a week for two years during the war. Nonetheless, Anne recalled with fondness her friendly workmates and, despite the demanding nature of her work, Anne still enjoyed working for the company. Many couples met while working at Sunshine Harvester Works and Anne was no different. She met her husband Frank who had joined the company's Pattern Shop as a 14 year old in 1928.

References
The Mail, Jan 31 1979, p.8.
Sun, Jan. 23 1979.
H.V McKay Massey Harris and Massey-Ferguson employee records held at University of Melbourne Archives.
Transcript of interview with Anne Laverick and Connie Robinson. Held at Living Museum of the West, registration no. 87.10.

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