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FITZPATRICK'S SAWMILL

Location

Macarthur Street DUNKELD, Southern Grampians Shire

File Number

798

Level

Stage 2 study complete

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
Fitzpatricks' Saw Mill, located in the water reserve on the north side of Dunkeld off Macarthur Road, was established in this location in 1943. Previously, the family had operated saw mills in remote locations in the Grampians and elsewhere. Patrick Fitzpatrick, and Irishman who had migrated to Victoria in the early 1870s founded the business. With his wife, Alice Maude, nee Donlevy and their children, he led a typically itinerant existence in remote places getting and sawing hardwood for the construction of buildings and redgum for paving. This was possible and appropriate during the period when mills were powered by steam engines. The move to a more permanent site, closer to rail transport and major highways and where electricity could be used, represented a major change in the production of sawn timber. Arthur Fitzpatrick, the only son of Patrick and Alice Fitzpatrick oversaw the move, which proved to be very successful because of the post World War Two building boom. He died in 1969 and his sons carried on the business. The family's involvement was typical of the industry. Fitzpatricks' mill, which has only recently stopped operating, is perhaps the last surviving in the Southern Grampians area and one of the last in the state. The mill, its plant and equipment survive in excellent working condition and in very good condition.

How is it significant?
Fitzpatricks' Saw Mill is of historical and architectural significance to the township of Dunkeld and to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
Fitzpatricks' Saw Mill is of historical significance as a typical example of the traditional saw mills, now powered by electricity but formerly by steam, which operated throughout the remote heavily timber country of Victoria. Furthermore, it demonstrates the major change in location and management brought about by the changes to infrastructure during the mid-twentieth century. It is of architectural significance for its vernacular form, traditional use of materials and industrial planning for the process of saw milling. It is of further architectural significance as the source of an essential material used in construction.

Group