Then and now
In 1945, George Grenda started a bus company in Dandenong from the site at 9 Foster Street. More than half a century later in 2008 the Grenda Corporation relocated their operations to a new site south of the railway line. Grenda’s move from 9 Foster Street was immeasurably significant. They were be the first major business to relocate and embrace the opportunity of Dandenong’s extraordinary $290 million revitalisation initiative.
Photographic work
In early 2008, photographer Hilton Stone was commissioned by the City of Greater Dandenong and given unrestricted access to the Grenda’s site to record the business, the work force and the everyday operations. The result was a collection of photos that give rare insights into the culture of the workplace, daily rituals, the connection between staff, and the manner in which the business functions.
Oral histories
In October 2007, a series of oral histories and sound bites were recorded by David Crofts to capture the stories and memories associated with Grenda’s at Foster Street. Interviews were undertaken with a range of staff including drivers and mechanics; office and control room staff; and management, capturing personal memories and recollections
Geraldine Barlow interviewed the artists and discussed their work and its relationship to the site.
Memories and stories
Through the project, a commemorative booklet titled ‘Moved by Grenda’s' featuring photos and stories of the historic dept was created.
The booklet maps the final stages of the historic depot, including its demolition in May 2008 to make way for the construction of the George St Bridge. It records the memories of Grenda's staff through the stories and quotes they shared with writer David Crofts. It is accompanied by a collection of thought provoking photographs taken by Hilton Stone.
Depot occurred between 7 – 13 April 2008 and featured temporary art installations by seven artists at the actual depot site.
Moved by Grenda’s was the overarching project which incorporated the photographic documentation, oral histories and Depot project, presented in a commemorative full colour publication.
http://depot-installation.blogspot.com Download Depot media kit (PDF - 3.83MB)
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