Dr Michele Matthews has been a local and social historian for nearly three decades since she first used correspondence held by the then Bendigo City Council for her Honours thesis. She is an ardent advocate for the use of local history records to tell Victorian and Australian history from a grassroots perspective. Michele’s MA thesis, ‘A forgotten “Father” of Federation: Sir John Quick 1852‑1911’ (2003), and her PhD thesis, ‘Survivors, schemes, Samaritans and shareholders: the impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925‑1935’ (2007), both drew heavily on Bendigo and district records. Michele used this article for her research: The Economic Manufacturing Company was a historic textile factory in Bendigo. Starting operations in 1912 on High Street, the company specialized in producing "whiteworks" (the term for women's and children's cotton underwear and undergarments). Operated a factory on High Street and later moved into the former Bickford Smith safety fuse factory buildings in Ironbark (near Wattle and Valentine Streets). Products: Knitted apparel and whiteworks. The business eventually transitioned into producing the Crestknit brand of clothing. The historic brick building where it operated is now home to Enjoy Church. FROM TROVE 24 May 1917 The Bendigo Whiteworks Economic Manufacturing Company The company began with a small operation in High Street, initially using only part of the building. Rapid business growth led to the need for the entire building and increased floor space. The factory is now fully utilized, with about sixty employees and fifty machines operating constantly. Specializes in manufacturing whitework, particularly ladies' underclothing. Receives orders from major cities like Sydney and Brisbane, indicating a broad market reach. Provides regular employment opportunities for both men and women in Bendigo. The factory offers healthy working conditions, with good air, light, and a dedicated dining hall. Employees benefit from steady work without interruptions, ensuring stable income. First Melbourne-based business to expand manufacturing operations to Bendigo. The company’s growth supports local economic development and encourages cooperation with local retailers.Leadership and Future. Lead by capable and enterprising principals, Mr. H. Natear and Mr. A. R. Gibson. Plans to further increase employment and continue contributing to the city’s prosperity.Overall, Bendigo Industries is portrayed as a dynamic and growing manufacturer, positively impacting employment and the local economy. Michele Matthews Collection: PHD Research - Article Bendigo Whiteworks Economic Maufacturing Company Bendigo Advertiser Sat Jan 13 2007 - The Way We Were This item includes the following documents: 8672.25a Black and White photo. This document is a historical photograph caption from 1936, listing the names of workers at the former Whiteworks Economic Manufacturing Company. The workers are organized by their position in the photograph (back, middle, and front rows), and their full names are provided. 8672.25b The Article PDF File with names of those in the photobendigo, michele matthews collection, bendigo whiteworks economic manufacturing company