19/07/2025
VALE – Heidi Garmonsway
It is with profound sadness that we mark the passing of Heidi Garmonsway, a deeply respected and much-loved member of the Parramatta Female Factory Friends. Heidi served as our former Vice President, balancing her extensive community involvement while working full-time as a skilled and highly regarded Project Manager. She brought clarity, structure and sheer determination to everything she touched.
Heidi was a passionate advocate for the preservation and recognition of the Parramatta Female Factory and its unique place in Australia’s convict and women’s history. Her advocacy was not abstract—it was personal. As the proud 4 x great-granddaughter of Ann Gordon, the longest-serving and most significant Matron of the Factory (1827–1836), Heidi carried forward a legacy of strong, principled female leadership. Like her formidable ancestor, she earned the respect and admiration of those around her—through dedication, common sense, intelligence, and compassion. It was with enormous pride that Heidi portrayed Matron Gordon in the much-acclaimed play set in the Factory - ‘Forgotten’ (Parramatta Riverside Theatre 2023).
A cornerstone of our campaign efforts, Heidi was instrumental in mobilising community support for parliamentary petitions and provided invaluable leadership during the 2018 Bicentennial Commemoration, where her project management expertise ensured its success. Whether it was organising events, crafting submissions, or advocating with precision and clarity, Heidi was unwavering in her pursuit of justice and heritage recognition for the Factory women.
What set Heidi apart was not just her competence, but her spirit. She lit up every room she entered. Her quick wit, infectious smile, warm laughter, and boundless energy made her a joy to work alongside. Heidi was someone who lifted others, not just with her presence, but with her belief in what we could achieve together. She had that rare quality of making everyone feel like their contribution mattered. For many of us, she was not only a colleague and fellow campaigner but also a mentor, a cheerleader, and a friend.
Despite facing her own silent battles with great courage, Heidi remained a guiding light. She offered strength without seeking recognition and gave of herself generously, especially to her family—she was a much-cherished daughter, a devoted and beloved mother to her two boys and a much-loved sibling, and her wider community. Her creativity, intellect, humour and fierce love for her people and her passions will never be forgotten.
We are devastated by her loss but determined to honour her memory. Heidi’s legacy will live on in our continued advocacy, in the Factory walls she fought to preserve, and in the stories she helped bring to light. She is gone from our sight, but never from our mission—or our hearts.
Rest in peace, Heidi.
May the streets of heaven be filled with song, laughter, and light—just as you were. We are better for having known you. We will carry you with us, always.
Heidi’s Harmony
In the world of tasks and deadlines tight,
Heidi keeps things running right.
With project managers by her side,
She charts the course, a steady guide.
Her schedules shine, her plans precise,
Her organizational skills, beyond nice.
From charts to timelines, she’s the queen,
Keeping every project running clean.
But when the workday’s finally through,
She finds the joy in something new.
The curtain rises, the music swells,
In musicals, her spirit dwells.
And let us not forget her treat,
The finest cheeses she loves to eat.
From creamy brie to cheddar bold,
Her palate’s rich, her tastes are gold.
So, here’s to Heidi, sharp and bright,
Balancing work and pure delight.
A life well-planned, a life well-lived,
With every moment she will be missed.
