Woman of Steel
Finalist Sydney Film Festival Documentary Award
Women of Steel
2020 56 minutes Rated G
A rousing documentary, many years in the making, that follows a group of determined local women in their 14-year fight for the right to work in Wollongong’s steel industry.
Forty years ago, Wollongong’s Jobs for Women Campaign, with director Robynne Murphy among its leaders, took on Australia’s most powerful company BHP – and won. But when the 1980s steel slump devastated the city’s economy, the women were forced into the courtroom. Their struggle plays out against a background of societal changes: from anti-discrimination legislation, to the shifting roles of women in the home and workforce (particularly complex in Wollongong’s migrant, non-English speaking households). This fascinating account of the largely forgotten history of Australia’s Steel City was crafted over decades with support from local community volunteers and over 500 donors.
Producer/Director Robynne Murphy
Consulting Producer Martha Ansara
Music Jan Preston
Editors Phillip Crawford / Rowena Crowe
Song, “Don’t Stop Me Now” written and performed by Mo’Ju
Finalist ATOM (Australian Teachers of Media) Awards –Best Documentary – History category • Best Documentary – Social & Political category • Winner History Council of NSW PHA Award • Finalist NSW Premier’s Digital History Award