Albury and its region’s Traditional Custodians are the Wiradjuri people. They are the largest Aboriginal Traditional Owner group in NSW and their nation covers the ‘land of the three rivers’, with plains running north and south to the west of the Blue Mountains. The Albury area is known as Bungambrawatha, or ‘Homeland’, by the Wiradjuri people.
The Murray River provided food resources to First Nations people, mainly mussels and fish, but also waterfowl and turtles. There is a correlation between the occurrence of shallow, fordable sections of the Murray and stone weirs and fish traps, with the traps enabling the capture of larger quantities of food for ceremonial use. The site of the Mungabareena Camp and the associated ceremonial ground is documented as being where the Pumphouse is located.
The first European visitors to this site were the members of the Hume & Hovell expedition, who camped at or very close by the Pumphouse site on November 18, 1824. It was in 1836 that the first homestead was built on the site by Thomas Mitchell (aged 19).
It is reported that Thomas Mitchell made friends with the Indigenous people and supported the ceremonial gatherings at Mungabareena each year. His younger brother, JFH Mitchell estimated that one thousand Aboriginal people attended the annual gatherings. Thomas and JFH learned the Indigenous language and both compiled dictionaries of the meanings of Wiradjuri words.
In 1884, the need for a reliable water supply led to the construction of The Pumphouse, and by 1915, the facility had expanded to also supply electricity. For decades, The Pumphouse played a critical role in the region’s infrastructure, providing essential services until bulk electricity supply from the State Electricity Commission took over in 1926.
It’s a classic example of late 19th century industrial architecture, and remnants of its history as a functioning pumping station are still very much visible in the renovation.
Thanks to funding from Infrastructure New South Wales and the vision of AlburyCity, this historic site has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, evolving from a disused industrial waterworks facility into a vibrant hub for creative makers.
Designed to cater to the diverse needs of artists of all levels, the facility has three main spaces dedicated to fibre arts, ceramics and small works such as jewellery making and metal work, along with a breakout room for meetings and workshops, and an outdoor area for installations and events. The facility is equipped with top-of-the-line tools and resources, making it the ideal environment for artistic exploration, experimentation and growth.
In addition to these shared spaces, The Pumphouse offers three private studios for long-term hire. These studios are available to professional artists who require a dedicated space to develop their work over an extended period. With 24/7 access and the flexibility to customise the spaces to individual needs, these studios provide the perfect environment for focused, uninterrupted creativity. Explore the spaces here.
All of these amendments to the building have taken place while carefully preserving the important heritage features of the building. At the entrance to the ceramic space are two circular windows that peer down into the basement, where the old pumphouse equipment sits, dusted over with stories from bygone eras.
After five years in the making, The Pumphouse is finally complete and ready to open to the public. At the heart of The Pumphouse’s mission is a vision not just for creating art, but an environment where artists can connect, collaborate and contribute to the cultural and economic wellbeing of the Albury region.
The Pumphouse exists to help artists and makers grow sustainable small businesses and careers. By providing access to professional-grade equipment, expert-led workshops and a supportive community, artists can refine their skills, develop their practice and be among like minded people as a rich source of inspiration.
The facility is one-of-a-kind, and a true asset to the regions.
As a member, you’ll have access to our world-class facilities, including the studios, equipment and workshops. You’ll also benefit from exclusive opportunities to participate in events and exhibitions – all designed to help you grow as an artist and connect with others in the creative community. More than just a place to work, The Pumphouse is a place to belong.
Find out more about becoming a member here.
*Information from Charles, Sturt University, Nineteenth Century Indigenous Land Use of Albury (NSW), 2015, Dirk HR Spennemann
