Andrew (Drew) Stein Oral History

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DescriptionThis interview consists of two audio recordings and transcripts. Andrew (Drew) Stein was interviewed in 1992 at the Fairfield City Museum by Judy Cannon.
Interview SummaryAndrew’s family have lived in the Smithfield area since 1838. They emigrated from Germany and became wine makers and vineyard keepers. His parents work on a vineyard in Mudgee. His family also has a building-hiring and party-hire business.

Andrew is active in the Smithfield-Wetherill Park Industrial Chamber of Commerce. At the time of interview, the Chamber had 155 members, 85% of which were industrial members. The Chamber has faced disagreements with the Roads and traffic Authority over issues including no right-hand turns, and the construction of a highway through the local shopping district. Andrew is concerned about the high levels of unemployment in Smithfield (20%), but is hopeful that the planned construction of Badgerys’s Creek Airport will generate more jobs [Note: this interview took place in 1992; as of 2021, the airport is still not built.]

The Chamber also hopes to expand the nearby shopping centres.

Andrew recently travelled to Urbach, Germany, to visit the home town of his family. Andrew was impressed by the small-scale vineyards and the ways in which local families work together to harvest the grapes.

The interview discusses Andrew’s business and party hire business. He discusses quirky questions customers have, and a few anecdotes such as marquee hire lifting off the ground.

Andrew is married with three young children. He is a supporter of Fairfield City Museum (now FCMG) and greatly appreciates that it is place to store memorabilia and teach children about life in the past. He donates objects to the museum. He feels that his family have remained in Smithfield for 150 years because of its strong village feel.

Details

IntervieweeAndrew (Drew) SteinInterviewerJudy CannonDate of interview1992DurationTotal interview: 00:46:25Transcripts availableYesRightsFairfield City CouncilAccess ConditionsAccess open for research, written permission required for personal copies and public use

Connections

Oral History ProjectThe Way We Were - People of FairfieldCollectionAll Oral HistoriesPeopleStein Family

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