Orroroo's Main Street Woolshed & Heritage Trail project
The Black Rock Station Woolpress
The Black Rock Station Woolpress, circa 1851 (or possibly earlier), has been carefully restored by a group of ambitious locals over the past two years, following its recovery from the original Woolshed ruins. Black Rock Station was first taken up in 1851 by John Williams, who built it into a significant pastoral property. Prior to the 1864-67 drought, the property was shearing up to 30,000 sheep each year.
The Woolpress is a significant piece of the region, and indeed that of Australia’s, pioneering agricultural history. It is unique in that the “monkey” (a mechanical part of the press) was operated by men turning a life-size screw while on a platform high above the press. Early research suggests it may be the only one of its type still in existence.
The restoration has been entirely funded by community and made possible through volunteer hours (some of whom are picture above). The owner of the Woolpress has donated the Woolpress to the community for display, which Council holds in trust.
Orroroo's Main Street "Woolshed"
The District Council of Orroroo Carrieton have returned the Woolpress to the community by establishing a permanent showcase of the Woolpress and associated memorabilia in this custom-built facility in the main street of Orroroo.
In 2019, Council partnered with the Orroroo Regional Tourism Group to develop a formal business case, feasibility analysis and economic impact assessment. The process was facilitated by Kristine Peters of KPPM to further the project’s shovel readiness. This cost of this analysis was $20,000 and funded by the Foundation of Rural and Regional Renewal.
Council applied, and was successful, in gaining external funding for the project through multiple streams. Thanks to the joint financial assistance the Australian Government and the Foundation of Rural and Regional Renewal, the Woolshed was officially launched in October 2021.
"The Woolshed", completed October 2021
The official launch of the “The Woolshed” and Woolpress display, October 2021.
Pictured – the Black Rock Woolpress Working Group
The Heritage Trail
Council intends to establish the Woolshed as a ‘centerpiece’ of a much larger heritage trail. The future heritage trail will tell many of the stories, promote the culture and vibrancy, and celebrate the characters associated with the district’s history. The trail will meander the main street of Orroroo and through maps and digital information link to many other icons and attractions in the outlying area such as Orroroo Lions Park, Solly’s Hut, Pekina Reservoir & Yanyarrie Whim. Council are encouraging any interested members of the community to become involved with the trail’s development. You can register you interest by emailing community@orroroo.sa.gov.au.
A concept plan of the trail has now been completed and will be available for public consultation from the 16th December 2021 – 4th February 2022. Please stay tuned to this website for further information.
Project Delivery
The completed project is due for delivery by the end of June 2022. Although the construction of the Woolshed was completed and officially launched on 27th October 2021.
Like all construction projects around Australia at present, this project is not immune to supply shortages (materials and services) caused by COVID-19 restrictions and competing stimulus projects. Council will endeavour to update this page with respect to any changes in the anticipated completion timeframe.
Project Funding
The total project is valued at an estimated $550,000 and will build economic strength and resilience by stimulating new tourism economic activity and diversity in Orroroo and the surrounding district.
Project Funding Sources |
| What Does This Funding Cover? |
|---|---|---|
Total Project Estimate Cost ($) | $550,000 |
|
Local Roads and Community Infrastructure ($) | $342,000 | The Construction of the "Woolshed," a custom built display building to house the historic Black Rock Woolpress and some promotion |
Foundation of Rural and Regional Renewal ($) | $144,000 | Fit out and interpretation, landscaping and site completion |
Council in-kind Contribution ($) | $ 64,000 | Project management, planning and preliminaries, and post completion maintenance (est. over five years) |
Project Outcomes
Ways in which the project will assist the community:
- Employment of local and regional contractors in relevant trades, which will extend for various periods over construction;
- Short and long term social benefits for the community (protection, preservation and celebration of community assets and local heritage);
- Short-term economic benefits for local businesses of contractor funds circulating within the local economy;
- Short and long term benefits in the retention of facilities and/or local businesses reliant on tourism trade
(i.e. caravan parks, B&B’s, cafes, hotels, parks and gardens etc.) - Long-term economic benefits resulting from increased tourism visitation and spend (i.e. more tourists stopping and staying longer)
- New and emerging tourism businesses, additional government spend on services and tourism related infrastructure (works on roads, facilities, amenities etc)
Special Acknowledgements
Black Rock Woolpress Working Group (members past & present)
Orroroo Regional Tourism Group
Dean and Brian Keatley (restorers)
Tony & Barbara Nutt (Black Rock Station)
Further information can be found in the following documents: