Description
This page is designed to capture the history of one of Australia's mightiest paper mills of the 1800's. Please share your stories about this unique place. The Barwon Paper Mill was erected at Fyansford on the outskirts of Geelong in 1876 and commenced business in 1878. Locally quarried bluestone was the predominant building material. Water from the Barwon River was diverted at Baums Weir along a 900m long bluestone race into the mill to power the waterwheel. The water then returned to the river near Buckley Falls.
The Barwon Paper Mill commenced production in August 1878 and was a testament to the engineering skills of the time. The mill buildings and machinery were designed and constructed by engineer, Andrew Millar, drawing on his English experience. It was modern by world standards and constructed at a time of great technological change.
The complex is significant, also, for its role in the development of the Australian paper making industry. The national giant company, Australian Paper Manufacturers, owned the Barwon Mill from 1895 to 1929.
Over the years, it was also taken over by the miltary to be used as a munitions factory during the war and was known as the RAN Mine Depot, Fyansford. The depot operated for some part of World War 2 as a sub-depot of Swan Island. National Archives of Australia suggest between 1942 and 1946.
The Barwon Paper Mill closed in 1923 and was used as cool stores and for the manufacture of ice. The complex is a rare example of a surviving paper mill. Of the seven paper mills established in Australia in the 19th century, it is among the earliest and operated as a paper mill over a much longer period.
Today, it serves as a mixed used space for art and industry. As Geelong emerges from its manufacturing years into a prime tourist destination brimming with ideas and energy, plans for a cultural hub could put Fyansford on the map again.
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RECENT FACEBOOK POSTS
facebook.comHow crowdfunding can connect people to their heritage and community
A little more about how crowdfunding has created a platform for Hubcaps to Creative Hubs to get off the ground. This initiative will bring some real benefits to projects such as the reinvention of the paper mills. Via our supporters at Deakin and The Conversation
Hope Again // Nina Matumaini
From everyone here at the Old Paper Mills, Fyansford, we'd like to send all our friends and supporters a message of hope for Christmas. This video was filmed in the Great Hall by the very clever people from Kardinia Church. Beautifully shot and performed and a pertinent message at this time of the year. Here's 'Hope Again'
Timeline Photos
Well, it's December 21 and we have a fire going. Just ridiculous. Bring on 37 degrees.
Timeline Photos
Have you seen the amazing trompe l'oeil (or trick-of-the-eye) mural by Lou Woodmansey in the Door Gallery? Here it is with the real version of Flo, the mill's mascot, next to the painted one. Spooky ... Pic by Kat Davenport.
Hubcaps 2 Creative Hubs
https://pozible.com/project/hubcaps-2-creative-hubs Fantastic news! The Hubcaps to Creative Hubs crowdfunding campaign is done and they have smashed their target of $15,000. The campaign delivered a huge result of $21,450 from 73 different supporters. This will mean that the team from Deakin can fund at least three films and really get some production dollars on screen. The films will showcase Geelong's various sites such as the Old Paper Mills that are undergoing a transformation to creative communities. Well done, Fiona Gray and the team. Great work!
Photos from The Old Paper Mills, Fyansford's post
Just thought it was timely to make a little noise about these two blokes. Alex and Jono have been putting in a superhuman effort to get the Great Hall ready for the first big private function, which was held last night. Despite being hobbled by a minor mishap, Alex has kept at it, supported by the ever-smiling Jono. They make an incredible two-man army and have completed the restoration of all the windows to match the existing ones and built a beautiful new door. All of this is done with Alex's lifetime of accumulated knowledge about traditional construction techniques to the highest possible standards. He is passing on the tricks of the trade to Jono, who is absorbing them like a sponge. Thanks, guys. What a brilliant job.
Photos from The Old Paper Mills, Fyansford's post
Spotted today was a new opening to the outside world with a view onto the mill race and overlooking Buckleys Falls. The door is a bespoke piece crafted using traditional panelling and mortise and tenon joints. A labour of love by Alex and Johnno.
Photos from The Old Paper Mills, Fyansford's post
An auspicious occasion tonight. This will be the first big function for Scott Ireland and the crew from Provenance Wines. What a way to open the batting with perfect weather and a brilliant fundraiser initiative. 'Hubcaps to Creative Hubs' is a Deakin / Creative Geelong proposal to create three short films that document the emergence of artist-led models that are utilising the beautiful old buildings from Geelong's manufacturing past.
Photos from The Old Paper Mills, Fyansford's post
A few iPhone / amateur wedding pics from this afternoon's wedding party. Stretch Hummer limo, lots of colour and some big personalities in this group. They were lucky enough to get some shots as the rain held off and we offered them some time in the Great Hall to ensure the day went well.
Another wedding party here today. This one is Russian Ukranian and there's plenty of flag waving and excitement.
Photos from The Old Paper Mills, Fyansford's post
Lots of horseplay in the Great Hall as Louise Sedgman Equine Photography put their steeds in front of the lense.
You just never know what you're going to see down here. Which is what makes it so good.
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