The 16 shearers on Mulwala Station in the late 1800s used blade shears.
Douglas Sloane had built his bi-plane in the Mulwala Station woolshed, creating a link between pioneering aviation and agriculture in this district.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
His plane hung in the woolshed for many years after World War 1.
A truly remarkable connection between bi-plane and woolshed is their inclusions on the Commonwealth Heritage List, both being of national significance.
The shearing team in 1879.
There are dozens more items in Mulwala’s Pioneer Museum, which are also on the NSW Heritage Listing, being of significance to the State, so must remain in the Pioneer Museum.
The Mulwala Woolshed was built in 1867, being extended over the years as sheep numbers expanded to over 60,000 across Mulwala and Savernake Stations.
The shed accommodated 16 shearers, eight on each side.
In the late 1890s, a Wolseley machine was belt-driven from a steam traction engine, replacing the blade shears. The humble wool press was installed in 1910.
Prior to 1885, the wool clip was taken by paddle steamer to Echuca, then by train to Melbourne. After 1886, all wool bales travelled by rail from Yarrawonga.
Mulwala Woolshed items in the Pioneer Museum: wool press, scales, overhead gear, gates, bin side, bale of wool and a fleece on the table.
In the late 1970s, the property was resumed by the Commonwealth Government to enlarge the Munitions Factory (Thales).
The Mulwala Homestead, woolshed and outbuildings are all on the Commonwealth Heritage List.
The 1886 wool bales were loaded on wagons, then travelled to Yarrawonga’s new railhead, thence to Melbourne.
As the woolshed was deteriorating, many items were transferred to the Pioneer Museum, for permanent protection and display. Their legal status has not altered.
The final shearing in this woolshed was undertaken by the Middleton Team of Tungamah in 1981.
Mulwala Woolshed 1981, completely constructed of Murray Pine. A metal roof was added later.
18°C