New Home For Black Rock Woolpress
MEDIA RELEASE
Monday, 1st November 2021
“New Home for Historic Woolpress”
The restored Black Rock Station wool press, circa 1851, has been officially unveiled in its new home, the custom built Main Street “Woolshed”, in Orroroo.
The woolpress was recovered from the ruins of the Black Rock Station wool shed in 2018, by a passionate group of local volunteers. Brothers Dean and Brian Keatley then began a painstaking process of restoration.
Early research suggests it may be the only one of its type still in existence.
Fully restored the woolpress was gifted to the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton in trust by the present day owners of Black Rock Station, to be made available for the enjoyment of the community and visitors alike.
(Left to right – Back: CEO Dylan Strong, Dean Keatley, Jim Kuerschner, Tony Nutt, Ian McKendrick, Grant Chapman, Ralph Goehring. Front - John Mannion, Mayor Kathie Bowman, Joy Ford & Barbara Nutt)
Council applied for, and was successful, in gaining external funding for development of an impressive two story, stone building to house the wool press and display.
Thanks to the joint financial assistance of the Australian Government and the Foundation of Rural and Regional Renewal, the development of an impressive two story stone display facility is now complete.
Mr Dylan Strong, Council CEO, said the new Woolshed and the woolpress are the centrepiece 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 our 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 attractions”, he said.
Mayor Bowman said the development of the woolshed is intended to highlight the pioneering history of the district and its enduring agricultural industry.
“Council maintains a motto of strength from resilience, in recognition of the traits of passion, determination and community spirit displayed by the early pioneers and present day community.
The woolpress and the associated development is symbolic and represents what we stand for,” she said.
More information is available at visitorroroo.com.au