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HOLMES FLOUR MILL (FORMER)

Location Penshurst-Byaduk Road BYADUK, Southern Grampians Shire File Number 850 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/4] 23274 Holmes Flour Mill Byaduk [2/4] 23274 Holmes Flour Mill Byaduk [3/4] 23274 Holmes Flour Mill Byaduk [4/4] 23274 Holmes Flour Mill Byaduk

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
Holmes Flour Mill was located on land fronting the north side of Byaduk-Penshurst Road, about 100 metres north of Scott's Creek. The site of the former mill is identified by remaining bluestone footings of some walls survive, together with small amounts of weathered iron and timber. Bluestone footings of a small building are visible above the mill ruins, believed to be the remnants of Holmes bakery. There are also a number of remnant plantings. Peter Learmonth (manager) and George Holmes (miller) built the mill in 1868 and it operated successfully until about 1893 when it closed due to a downturn in wheat production in the area. The Mill was known as Holmes Flour Mill after the flour miller. When roller mills were introduced, the production of wheat in the district had declined, making it uneconomic for the owners of the mill to install the new technology. In the early 20th century the mill was dismantled and the fittings sold, while the building stood vacant.
The three storey bluestone mill, with its tall chimney, was the largest structure in Byaduk, and dominated the landscape until its demolition in the 1950s. Some of the dressed bluestone blocks were sold by Mr. Tom Power to construct the porch of St Malachy's Catholic Church, Macarthur. There are only ruins remaining of the mill.

How is it significant?
The former Holmes Flour Mill and bakery site is of historical significance to the township of Byaduk and the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The site of the former Holmes Flour Mill is of historical significance as it provides a physical representation of a form of industry which was once an important part of the Byaduk district economy. Holmes flour mill was created as a response to the increasing number of selectors who were growing wheat for flour production in the Hamilton district in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Of further historical interest is the size of the flour mill, considering the relatively short period in which it operated (about thirty years), yet it dominated the township of Byaduk, being the largest most substantial building in or around the town for over ninety years. The former Holmes flour mill provides an understanding of a previous way of life, and of an industry which is no longer evident in the area.