Meet Andy Calvert of Jack's Magazine.

Published on Thursday 12 December 2024

Andy Calvert has conducted site tours of Jack's Magazine since 1993. He has an impressive knowledge of the place and an incredible ability to engage a crowd. Site tours are only part of his contribution over the years as a heritage custodian. Andy has been involved in general building maintenance, drainage system monitoring, environmental upkeep and clearing, such as noxious weed removal, tree trimming, and mowing, and preparation of the space for events.

"I started my apprenticeship in 1970 at the Ammunition Factory, Footscray. My first experience of Jack’s Magazine was 1973. I was impressed, and I am still impressed each time I enter the green doors today."

Why do you think Jack’s Magazine is important to protect?

It was the catalyst for the development of defence industries in Australia which then led to the development of manufacturing industries. Jack’s, along with the Black Powder Mill at Cairnlea are the only publicly accessible places of defence history left in Australia.

In World War 2, the entire network of factories across Australia covered more than 6,000 hectares and employed 60,00 people at its peak in 1944.

What is your favourite material aspect of Jack’s Magazine?

The bluestone wall and buildings. There are approximately 25,00 bluestone blocks in the perimeter wall and approximately 140,000 cubic metres of material in the mounds. Everything was built by hand.

There is a myth that there was once a tunnel connecting all ammunition factories. Andy says this is not possible, because many western suburbs sit on bluestone, which is hard to dig through. Andy believes there would not have been enough money or time to create such a tunnel!

What did you know about cultural heritage and its protection before you started working at Jack's Magazine?

My family own a group of heritage buildings, which have been in our family since 1867. These buildings are made from local materials like bricks made on site and timber...I have been managing heritage buildings as long as I can remember.

What words of wisdom would you give to others who are either current custodians of heritage or looking to get involved?

Take a step back and look at the place's history and how it fits into the local history. When making changes to the place, start small, in manageable chunks. Make sure you have funding to do each stage. Make sure the scope of work is consistent with desired outcomes...anything missed or described inaccurately can affect the scope and cost of the project.

What is some of the feedback you receive from visitors?

People in the park always ask about what is behind the bluestone wall. Most people on the tours are impressed by the amount of information available about Jack’s Magazine, the previous ammunition factory on the surrounding site, and the defence industries in the area.

We would like to sincerely thank Andy Calvert for his time and work at Jack's Magazine.