FORMER BURKE'S HOLES CREEK SAW MILL

The former Burke's Holes Sawmill is significant due to the opportunity for the site to understand early manufacturing and processing plants of rural Victoria. The elements of significance may include stationery steam engine, with boiler, vertical saw, travelling rack benches, timber shed, Two-storied building erected for a Flour mill and associated land use, including archaeological artefacts and deposits.

How is it significant?

The former Burke's Holes Sawmill is of archaeological and historical significance to the local City of Wangaratta.

Why is it significant?

This site is significant for its association with the late nineteenth century manufacturing and processing for local infrastructure projects. The site also holds historical significance due to its association with Ned Kelly. This site was once known as the Burke's Holes Saw-mill where bushranger Ned Kelly earned an honest living just prior to the events that unfolded with Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick at the Kelly household at 11-Mile Creek Greta West resulting in the Kelly Outbreak. This particular saw-mill stands out amongst others that Ned worked for as he specifically mentions in the Jerilderie letter that he was the overseer of this specific mill. The position of overseer would have been considered a big responsibility for young Ned Kelly as he was only about 20 to 21 years of age. From Ned's appointment to this position of responsibility we can derive that he commanded respect and was considered a hard, honest and trustworthy worker as well as experienced for his age. This mill was one of many that supplied railway sleepers for the second half of the Wangaratta to Beechworth Railway that extended from Everton through to Beechworth.

Group

Manufacturing and Processing

Category

Sawmill