150 years ago, Mittagong was on fire - the first hot-air blast furnace in Australia had been lit for the first time at the Fitz Roy Iron Works.
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Now, a sesqui-century on, a heritage circuit will be launched in honour of the event.
The Fitz Roy Iron Works Heritage Circuit will take walkers past 12 locations in Mittagong to signify the importance of the Fitz Roy Ironworks to the history of the town.
Historian and project co-ordinator Leah Day, who has spent much of her time researching, writing information for signs and sourcing photographs, said the circuit would emphasise the significance of certain sites in the history of the ironworks.
"It will start at the Highlands Market Place, in the car park there's archaeological relics that are from the first section of the ironworks, and next door to that there's the ironworks cottage," she said.
The circuit will also visit well-known Mittagong sites including Aldi, the Ironmines Cairns site, Mittagong Public Library, Lake Alexandra and the RSL, among others.
It also includes the Uniting Church, which too celebrates its 150th anniversary this weekend.
"Each site includes a sign that explains the historical significance of that place, and includes historic photos," she said.
"At Lake Alexandra, for instance, it used to be a dam which was used to supply water to the ironworks."
The heritage circuit project has been underway for almost 12 months and has seen collaborative efforts from much of the community.
"I've been working closely with Wingecarribee Shire Council and Woolworths actually gave $25,000 which has been used towards the signage on the circuit."
Leah said she had tried to keep the project local wherever possible.
"The graphic designer who worked on the signs was Lawrie Ball, and Grahame Andrews made the frames for the signs to fit in," she said.
"It's been a lovely co-operative feeling to be involved in all of this."
The Fitz Roy Iron Works Heritage Circuit launch will be held this Sunday, May 24 from 10.30am at the Ironmines Cairn Site on the Old Hume Highway in Mittagong.
A short ceremony will be held to celebrate the launch of the heritage circuit, to be officially opened by mayor Duncan Gair.
"The public are most welcome to come along, we'd very much like them to come and share in this experience."
For more details call
4872 1609 or email leah.day1@bigpond.com