THE restored Black Rock Station woolpress, built in the 1850s, has been officially unveiled in the custom-built Main Street woolshed in Orroroo.
The woolpress was recovered from the ruins of the Black Rock Station wool shed in 2018 by a passionate group of local volunteers, with brothers Dean and Brian Keatley then undertaking a painstaking restoration project.
Early research suggests the woolpress may be the only one of its type still in existence.
Fully restored, the woolpress was gifted to the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton in trust by the present day owners of Black Rock Station, to be made available for the enjoyment of the community and visitors alike.
Council was successful in getting funding for the development of an impressive two-story stone building to house the wool press and display.
Council chief executive officer Dylan Strong said the new Woolshed and woolpress were the centrepiece of a much larger heritage trail.
"The future heritage trail will tell many of the stories, promote the culture and vibrancy, and celebrate the characters associated with our district's history," he said.
"The trail will meander the main street of Orroroo and through maps and digital information link to many other icons and attractions in the outlying attractions."
Mayor Kathie Bowman said the development of the woolshed was intended to highlight the pioneering history of the district and its enduring agricultural industry.
"Council maintains a motto of strength from resilience, in recognition of the traits of passion, determination and community spirit displayed by the early pioneers and present day community," she said.
"The woolpress and the associated development is symbolic and represents what we stand for."
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