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WOOLPRESS TREE

Other Name

SIERRA PARK SHEEPSTUD

Location

Sierra Park Victoria Valley Road VICTORIA VALLEY, Southern Grampians Shire

File Number

473

Level

Stage 2 study complete

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Woolpress Tree is located on the mosdern property, Sierra Park Sheep Stud which was originally part of the very early squatting lease, Victoria Valley. The age of the tree, which is dead, is not known nor the exact date of the work done to convert it into a woolpress. However, the later sophistication and wealth of the run would suggest that the Woolpress Tree dates from the earliest times, probably the mid-1840s after it was taken over by Henry Dwyer in 1841. While holes in trees were used for other purposes, such as to deposit mail for collection or distribution, none has been discovered with such extensive modifications nor for use as a woolpress. Commercial woolpresses were easily available and used after the depression of the early 1840s. The equipment associated with the modification of the tree has been lost.

How is it significant?
The Woolpress Tree is of historical significance to the southern Grampians shire and the State of Victoria.

Why is it significant?
The Woolpress Tree is of historical significance to the Southern Grampians Shire and the State of Victoria as a remarkable surviving link with the earliest phase of pastoralism in the Western District and as an extraordinary example of bush ingenuity.

Group

Farming and Grazing