Let history do the talking at the East Loddon Woolshed

Published on 24 September 2020

You may well believe that walls do talk when you step inside the astounding piece of industrial marvel that is the East Loddon Woolshed. Crossing the threshold of the vast red brick building, it’s as if you can hear the din of hundreds of bleating sheep waiting to be shorn, the clamour and hiss of the mighty steam engine powering the shears, the shouts and orders of dozens of shearers, roustabouts, tar boys, broomies, skirters, the wool classer and the overseer.

Captured in the Oregon timber is the memory of the smells - the sharp tang of sheep droppings, the lanolin, smoke and steam, tar, sweat and grease.

The bustle, stink and noise of the past are a far cry from the rustic charm and romantic historical backdrop sought by today’s brides looking for their unique and individual wedding setting.

Turn off the Loddon Valley Highway and sitting quietly in the paddocks amongst grazing sheep and waving grass is the East Loddon Woolshed, built around 1871 by engineer, inventor and pastoralist John E. Ettershank. The building is remarkable for many reasons, not least because it has survived for nearly 150 years, or because it is so rare to find a woolshed of this magnitude of brick construction.

Around one million bricks were created on the property and used for the woolshed, nearby buildings and surrounding yards with astonishing effect. The woolshed itself was designed by prominent Bendigo architect, W.H.Vahland and features 28 shearing stands, segmented arches, a sawtooth roof and gabled ends. It is estimated that the brick paving covered about three acres. Almost one thousand sheep could be held in the shearing shed at one time.

Whether history views John Ettershank as an innovative and influential pastoralist or a typical member of the Victorian-era land-grasping gentry, there is no doubt that he has left his mark on East Loddon and played his part in history.

Ettershank’s innovations included a steam-powered shearing system, a spring-loaded sheep brand and a water-powered lift, over 18 metres high (still standing near the homestead).

Today the Ferrier wool press is still on site along with classing bins, shearing stands, pulleys, station plates, hand shears and many other fascinating glimpses of pioneering farm life.

Despite being heritage listed, the woolshed is still used for its original purpose (although on a much smaller scale). Current owner Anthony Holland first sheared there as a teenager and returned years later with his wife, Emily to purchase the farm and its associated history.

Anthony and Emily are both from local farming families and the Hollands have farmed in the district since 1908. The couple was drawn to the potential of the East Loddon Woolshed, undaunted by the constraints of owning an historical property.

They are making the most of the beautiful, natural setting of their working farm, to provide a venue limited only by your imagination. The woolshed itself has been a rustic backdrop for weddings with industrial fairy lights, a food truck and marquee. The interior has been used as a romantic quiet area, a dancefloor, or a place for speeches. The adjacent grassed area is perfect for bands or picnics while history buffs are fascinated by guided tours of the unique site and historical points of interest.

The East Loddon Woolshed is an enjoyable stop on the Loddon Discovery Tours. Operating since 2005, the tours offer organised itineraries of attractions in the Loddon Valley for anything from one to five days. The tours are popular with car clubs, historical societies and other special interest groups keen to appreciate new locations and travel experiences.

So far, those holding functions at the East Loddon Woolshed have had everything required brought in, including amenities, marquees and catering. Emily draws on her experience and local knowledge to advise what options are available and how the logistics will work. Potential guests need only imagine how they would like their event to look – perhaps modern with rustic backdrop, romantic, country, offbeat, vintage, whimsical, or eco-friendly – the scope is endless.

As Emily and Anthony looked to diversify their farming enterprise, they saw the opportunities presented by the exceptional piece of history they were fortunate to own. They hope to share its beauty and charm with many others in the future.

In time, more of the original brick pavers around the woolshed will be exposed to provide further venue areas and the nearby cook’s house will be renovated to add another option to the settings.

In the meantime, it’s a case of weddings, parties, anything as the East Loddon Woolshed prepares to enter a new and exciting chapter in its fabulous history.

For enquiries contact Emily Holland – 0429 379 253 or Anthony Holland - 0428 550 611 or visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/East-Loddon-Woolshed-103427894580536/