Maryborough Waterside Workers' Hall
Description
Maryborough Waterside Workers' Hall is a heritage-listed former trade union building at 96 Wharf Street, Maryborough, Fraser Coast Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built in 1918. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 9 July 1993.HistoryThe Waterside Workers' Hall Maryborough is a single storeyed timber building erected for the Maryborough branch of the Waterside Workers Federation.The Port of Maryborough was regularly visited by a number of ships, most of which were associated with the carrying of timber. In 1850 the town of Maryborough was moved to its present site as that part of the Mary River was considered preferable for shipping. Gazetted a port in 1859, Maryborough continued to develop as the major port and centre servicing the Wide Bay region.The Hall was used as a meeting place and pickup centre for the workers. It was funded by a levy of £2 struck on all members and was erected in Wharf Street, in proximity to the wharves and also to other buildings including the Bond Store, Customs House, and several hotels, also associated with the workings of the port. Prior to 1943, workers were selected according to the Bull System, that is workers for each shift were chosen by the shipping bosses. After that time, they were selected by the Union on a rotational basis. Both systems required the men to present themselves for work on notice of the arrival of a ship. In Maryborough some companies required the wharfies to meet at the wharves. Others, such as local firms Hyne and Son and Wilson Hart are recorded as using the Hall as a pickup centre, which, as a sheltered building with seating was preferred by the wharfies to the open sheds on the wharves.
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