‘Gears of Time’ Ford exhibition opens

The Broadmeadows Historical Society is proud to host a unique exhibition celebrating the Ford Broadmeadows Assembly Plant and its dedicated workforce.

Presenting the remarkable history of the plant and its enduring legacy, ‘Gears of Time: Ford Broadmeadows Through the Years’ is now open at the Broadmeadows Museum.

As Ford Australia commemorates its 100th anniversary in 2025, its deep roots in the community are exemplified by significant sites, such as the Broadmeadows Assembly Plant.

Established in 1959 in Campbellfield, north of Melbourne, the plant became the cornerstone of Ford Australia’s operations and a significant part of the local automotive industry, spanning 45 acres and employing more than 2,000 workers at its peak.

In almost six decades of operation, the Broadmeadows plant produced some of the nation’s most iconic vehicles, like the Falcon GT and locally-developed Territory SUV, as well as the Fairlane, Capri and Cortina. Broadmeadows also played a significant role in shaping the local community and labour history.

While the first Ford off the line at Broadmeadows was a ‘tank’ Fairlane, the plant soon became the home of the Falcon, with the first Australian-made unit built there in 1960. The Falcon went on to become an iconic vehicle, deeply integrated into the Australian community and automotive landscape.

Broadmeadows continued to be at the forefront of automotive manufacturing until its closure in October, 2016, following Ford’s decision to end local production. In 2019, the site was acquired by the Pelligra Group, which is now redeveloping it into the ‘Assembly Broadmeadows’ industrial estate.

To honour this legacy, the Broadmeadows Museum are hosting an exhibition, ‘Gears of Time: Ford Broadmeadows Through the Years’, developed with the assistance of Ford Australia. Running from 4 October to 15 December, 2025, the exhibition showcases the iconic stories, achievements and vehicles of the Ford Broadmeadows Assembly Plant.

Former Ford employees, their families, Ford owners and enthusiasts, along with the wider community, are invited to visit the exhibition that celebrates this proud chapter of local and industrial history.

The Broadmeadows Museum is located at 21 Pearcedale Street, Broadmeadows. The museum is open on Wednesdays, from 10:00AM to 2:00PM and the second Sunday of each month, from 1:00PM to 4:00PM.

Go to: broadmeadowsmuseum.org.au for further details.