Peter Milgate: Reflections of my time working at Hornsby Quarry

Peter Milgate was born, raised and still resides in the Hornsby Shire. One of three sons born to Philip and Shirley Milgate, Peter was born at Nurse Towell’s hospital in Hunter Street, Hornsby, and grew up in the family home in Albert Street, Hornsby. He was educated at St Leo’s Catholic College in Wahroonga and later moved to Hornsby Heights and Mount Colah.

He started working at Hornsby Quarry in 1967 at the age of 17 years and quickly found himself driving trucks, working with machinery and learning the skills of the job on the go. Peter has a great recall and fond memories of his time working at the quarry site and shared his recollections with Hornsby Library staff in June 2023. Peter’s detailed account of his time employed at the quarry will become a valuable resource about the history and workings of the Hornsby site.

After leaving the quarry, Peter went into earthmoving and transport for about seven years then spent the next 30 years working for National Parks and Wildlife at Bobbin Head.

Please note: This resource is not intended to be a comprehensive history of Hornsby Quarry, rather an account which reflects the wonderful memories and personal opinions of Peter Milgate.