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TORBANK WOOLSHED

Location Tobermory Lane PENSHURST, Southern Grampians Shire File Number 728 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/3] 23441 Torbank Woolshed [2/3] 23441 Torbank Woolshed [3/3] 23441 Torbank Woolshed

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Torbank Woolshed, which was built in 1956, is on the western bank of Muston's Creek about 11kms east of Penshurst. It was built for Ian Ritchie of Blackwood by local builder, Geoff Dickeson. It cost 27,000 pounds to build. The woolshed is constructed from reinforced concrete on piers over a relatively steep slope. The woolshed was considered innovative for its form, plan and detailing. It is one of the last great woolsheds to be built in the Western District. The building is in good condition, having been renovated in 2002 and retains a good degree of integrity.

How is it significant?
The Torbank Woolshed, Tobermory Lane, Penshurst is of architectural and historical significance to the Penshurst community and to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The Torbank Woolshed, Tobermory Lane, Penshurst is of architectural significance for its unusual use of reinforced concrete, its orientation to maximise sunlight and for its innovative planning.
It is of historical significance as a relatively late example of the construction of a large woolshed in the Western District and for reflecting the end of the wool boom begun by the Korean War and the more general prosperity after the Second World War.