McCrossin's Mill Precinct

Item details


Name of item:	McCrossin's Mill Precinct
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Manufacturing and Processing
Category:	Mill (Grain) - Wheat
Location:	Lat: -30.6430230853 Long: 151.5001482820
Primary address:	29-31 Salisbury Street, Uralla, NSW 2358
Parish:	Uralla
County:	Sandon
Local govt. area:	Uralla
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Armidale

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1		DP	1127831
LOT	30		DP	801344

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
29-31 Salisbury Street	Uralla	Uralla	Uralla	Sandon	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Uralla Historical Society	Community Group
Uralla Historical Society Inc	Community Group

Statement of significance:


	McCrossin's Mill Precinct is of state heritage significance as an early and representative example of heritage conservation work utilising the best practice principles of the Burra Charter and the statutory framework of the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW), the state's inaugural legislation for the protection of heritage in NSW. The restoration of the McCrossin's Mill Precinct has been recognised with several awards and it is held in demonstrable public esteem by heritage professionals, architects, and the wider public. The revitalisation and success of the restored McCrossin's Mill Precinct reflects the social value of the place to people across NSW.
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	John McCrossin
Builder/Maker:	Alexander Mitchell
Construction years:	1872-1881
Physical description:	The McCrossin's Mill Precinct fronts Salisbury Street, Uralla and consists of the mill building, chaff shed and stables building with a bathroom building and ancillary shed buildings to the rear. Archaeological remnants of the brick well have been identified in the rear garden. McCrossin's Mill is a three storey granite and brick building with a corrugated iron roof. The building is 18m long and 12m wide with a front verandah stretching the length of its ground floor Salisbury Street faade. A painted sign for McRae's Hardware (a former use of the building) covers the south-eastern side elevation of the building. The rear wall of the mill was previously remodelled and, as the appearance of the faade is unknown, contemporary glazing has been installed on the ground floor and the brick upper storeys have been rebuilt using existing bricks where possible. The interior of the mill has been converted to a history museum and function centre, with timber floors, rough plaster walls and an exposed timber beam roof structure. The granite base of the boiler remains in-situ at the south-eastern corner of the ground floor and the chute trapdoors remain in the timber floors of the upper floors. The museum has several displays of archaeological remnants discovered during the conservation works to restore the McCrossin's Mill Precinct, including shoes, bottles and various ceramic and metal pieces. The chaff shed is a two storey corrugated iron building with a steep gabled roof. The interior of the shed includes a timber structure supporting the first/mezzanine floor. The walls are corrugated iron (being the reverse side of the exterior), except for the north-western wall which is granite (being the rear wall of the mill building). Like the mill, the roof is an exposed timber beam roof structure. The stable building is a two storey brick building with corrugated iron roof and single storey lean-to structure on its south-eastern elevation. Internally, the brick walls are unlined and, like the mill and chaff shed, the roof is an exposed timber beam roof structure.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The buildings of the McCrossin's Mill Precinct have undergone comprehensive restoration works, in line with the best practice principles of the Burra Charter. Under the guidance of professional heritage practitioners, the buildings have been restored using traditional materials and methods. The condition of the precinct is of a high standard.
Modifications and dates:	1872: Steam engine boilers, cruising gear and grindstones installed in mill building by English engineer, Henry Sheldon Goddard 1881-1883: Local media reports that mill had undergone a major renovation and overhaul. 1960s: Boiler removed and buried onsite (discovered in excavation of 1982). 1960s: Well filled with rubbish and buried (discovered in excavation of 1982). 1979-1982: Restoration of mill building under the supervision of architect Peter Myers. 1982: Minor conservation works to chaff shed. 1990-1997: Restoration of stables building under the supervision of architect Tony Deakin. Works included an internal fit-out for business uses. 2001-2010: Major restoration project of chaff shed under supervision of architect Peter Myers.


Current use:	Mill and Chaff Shed: Uralla Historical Society Museum and function centre. Stables: business premises and museum storage
Former use:	Flour mill, freezing works, chaff shed, storage and stables.

History

Historical notes:

The Anaiwan people are the original custodians of the Northern Tablelands region. The landscapes and environment of this nation hold strong significance for the local Aboriginal community of today, their ancestors of the past and the Anaiwan people of the future.

The name Uralla is derived from the Aboriginal word 'oorala', meaning meeting place or camp.

European expansion into the Uralla area began with the arrival of squatters in the 1830s who were attracted to the prime grazing land of the New England Tableland. One of the early setters was Samuel McCrossin who visited the area in 1839 and settled with his family in 1841. Samuel's son, John McCrossin, was responsible for the construction of McCrossin's Mill in the early 1870s and the development of the mill precinct.

With a strong belief in the agricultural development of the New England region as a major wheat grower and exporter of milled flour to the colony, McCrossin invested 4000 pounds in the construction of a granite and brick mill building, a cost far exceeding that of a timber building which would have been sufficient for the purpose. As the third steam-driven flour mill in the small township of Uralla (the others being Kirkwood Mill [1859] and the Porter Mill [1867], such an investment in the construction of McCrossin's Mill, and on such an ambitious scale, displayed McCrossin's commitment to the Uralla township and the development of the social, agricultural and commercial prospects of the region.

In establishing the mill, McCrossin had a 16 horsepower engine installed to drive three mill stones and to haul wheat through the three storey building. A 7m deep brick well was also installed to supply water to the boiler, drawing water directly from the earth and collecting water from rain running off the roof. In its infancy, McCrossin's Mill was equipped to mill 1000 bushels of wheat a week.

The agricultural development of the New England region was speculative at best. When a regional drought hit in 1871, a shortfall in product to serve the local community led to the importation of flour from South Australia to regional stores and suppliers. Compared to the locally produced flour, the South Australian product was superior in quality and could be produced at higher levels and at a lower cost. Crushed by steel rollers, the South Australian flour was a fine, white and clean powder compared to the brownish gritty flour produced by grinding stones used in the New England region. Production of wheat was also more economically effective in South Australia as the warmer and dryer climate allowed for the use of machinery to sow and harvest the grain, which was not possible in the cooler and wetter climate of the New England region which saw the locally produced wheat picked by reap-binders or horse or steam harvesters. With lower rising properties, the local flour could not match the quality of that imported from South Australia.

As the milling enterprise proved largely unsuccessful in the New England region, a price cutting war developed between the local mills. Coupled with the extension of the railway to the Northern Tablelands in the early 1880s which further opened the area to the South Australian competitor, flour milling became unprofitable and McCrossin looked to diversify the output of the mill to attract local trade.

On a far less ambitious scale, and on a budget, McCrossin built the chaff shed in c1881. The stables building had also been added to the precinct in 1878.

As the flour milling trade declined further, and the need to upgrade or replace the mill's machinery loomed, McCrossin closed the mill in the 1890s. In the following years, the former mill was purchased by a skin buyer, and later by the Cooper family for use as a hardware and undertaking business. The site was also used by a tank maker and as a freezer works. In 1935, the former mill was purchased by the McRae family as a storage place for a local hardware business. Evidence of this period of ownership and use can be seen in the sign mural on the south-eastern faade of the mill building which has been preserved.

As the McRae hardware business declined, the former mill had fallen into a state of disrepair. By the 1970s, now a derelict and unused precinct of buildings, there was soon calls for its demolition and redevelopment. Faced with the potential loss of a prominent local asset, and with a local council unwilling to purchase the site, a group of community advocates took it upon themselves to acquire the former mill. In the same year as the Uralla Historical Society was officially formed, the group purchased the dilapidated mill and chaff shed in 1979. As one of the members recalls, "Pascoe flicked his cigarette over his shoulder, and said 'They can't knock that down. Come on, why don't we buy the bastard?' 'I agree', I replied, after a long pause and an even longer sigh" (Mayo, 2002, p11).

Still in its infancy, the Uralla Historical Society had acquired a substantial project and its members were filled with enthusiasm and energy. This vigour attracted the attention of Sydney-based architect, Peter Myers, who was familiar with the newly established Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) and understood how heritage and cultural funding bodies operated in NSW. Myers penned a letter supporting the Uralla Historical Society's proposals to improve Uralla through the conservation and celebration of local history.

Myers soon became the guiding heritage practitioner behind the McCrossin's Mill restoration project, providing architectural plans, heritage advice and supervision to the local volunteers who were committed to seeing the restoration of the mill using traditional materials and methods of construction. Funded largely by community donations and built entirely by community strength, Myers and the Uralla Historical Society were able to restore a derelict building into a local icon using the best practice principles of the Burra Charter and the statutory framework of the Heritage Act. Adaptively reused as a function centre and local museum, the restoration of McCrossin's Mill was completed and opened on 2 May 1982.

In 1986, the Uralla Historical Society was again presented with an opportunity to purchase the stables building.

In visiting the Uralla district, various heritage practitioners and leading politicians had witnessed the efforts of the Uralla Historical Society in restoring the mill and, so impressed with the society's vision and energy, gave further encouragement to the group to continue to preserve their local heritage. Emboldened by wide reaching support, the Uralla Historical Society sought funding from the state government to purchase the stables building. In 1990, the Heritage Council of NSW gave the society full funding to purchase the building. Also in a derelict state, the acquisition of the stables building by the Uralla Historical Society completed the McCrossin's Mill Precinct. Again, the society set to work restoring the building.

The success of the McCrossin's Mill restoration project has received industrial recognition with the Royal Australian Historical Society Award being presented to Peter Myers in 1983; Best Restoration and Best Interior Fit-out Awards (as well as a high commendation for landscaping) at the New England Heritage and Urban Design Awards in 1988; Winner of the Energy Australia/National Trust Heritage Award for the chaff shed restoration in 2004; and Winner of the National Trust Adaptive Re-use Award in 2010. The project was also showcased in the Heritage Council of NSW Annual Report of 1980-81.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Flour milling-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Milling flour, corn and other grains-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Adapted heritage building or structure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th Century Infrastructure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in regional settings-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working complex machinery and technologies-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Industrial buildings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Vernacular structures and building techniques-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a museum-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing and maintaining a local museum-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Belonging to an historical society or heritage organisation-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with John McCrossin, miller-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	McCrossin's Mill Precinct is of state heritage significance as an early example of heritage conservation work undertaken in accordance with the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW). Carried out between 1979-82, with the guidance of professional heritage practitioners, the restoration of the McCrossin's Mill Precinct utilised the best practice principles of the Burra Charter and the statutory framework of the Heritage Act, the state's inaugural legislation for the protection of heritage in NSW. As one of the first significant conservation projects since the establishment of the Heritage Act, the success of the restoration of the McCrossin's Mill Precinct is reflected in the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (NSW) Award for Restoration to architect Peter Myers in 1983; Best Restoration and Best Interior Fit-out Awards (as well as a high commendation for landscaping) at the New England Heritage and Urban Design Awards in 1988; Winner of the Energy Australia/National Trust Heritage Award for the chaff shed restoration in 2004; and Winner of the National Trust Adaptive Re-use Award in 2010. The project was also showcased in the Heritage Council of NSW Annual Report of 1980-81.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	McCrossin's Mill Precinct is of local heritage significance for its association with John McCrossin, son of Samuel McCrossin who was one of the first settlers to the Uralla district prior to the establishment of the township. John McCrossin was responsible for the construction of the mill precinct which demonstrated his commitment to the Uralla township and the development of the social, agricultural and commercial prospects of the region.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	McCrossin's Mill Precinct is of local heritage significance for its contribution to the historic streetscape of the Uralla township. As one of the dominant precincts that demonstrates the industrial history of the area, the comprehensive and sympathetic restoration of the mill buildings, utilising the best practice principles of the Burra Charter and the statutory framework of the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW), has been a great achievement in returning a sense of heritage character to the local community.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	McCrossin's Mill Precinct is of state heritage significance for its social value. It is likely that McCrossin's Mill, its chaff shed and stables building would have been demolished or deteriorated beyond repair if it was not for the commitment, spirit and hard work of the local community in purchasing the derelict precinct and restoring it to a standard and quality that is regarded as an exemplar of heritage practice. Embracing the advice and guidance of heritage professionals since the mill and chaff shed were purchased in 1979 (and the stables building in 1990), members of the Uralla Historical Society and local community had the vision and energy to bring value and use back to the McCrossin's Mill Precinct. The restoration of the McCrossin's Mill Precinct has been recognised with several awards and it is held in demonstrable public esteem by heritage professionals, architects, and the wider public. The revitalisation and success of the restored McCrossin's Mill Precinct reflects the social value of the place to people across NSW.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	McCrossin's Mill Precinct is of local heritage significance for its potential to yield information that will further contribute to an understanding of the cultural history of the Uralla region. Previous archaeological investigations have discovered information about the various uses of the site since its construction in the early 1870s. There is potential for further evidence of occupation and use of the McCrossin's Mill Precinct to be discovered. There is also potential for evidence of traditional occupation of the location by the Anaiwan people, both before and after colonial settlement, to be discovered.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	McCrossin's Mill Precinct is of local heritage significance as a rare surviving mill precinct in the Uralla district. When McCrossin's Mill was constructed in the 1870s, two mills were already operating in the region. Experiencing a similar fate to McCrossin's Mill and not surviving the competitive milling industry, the older mills were demolished. The survival of McCrossin's Mill and the associated buildings of the precinct is rare in the region.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	McCrossin's Mill Precinct is of state heritage significance as a representative example of a comprehensive restoration project achieved with the guidance of professional heritage practitioners and utilising the best practice principles of the Burra Charter and the statutory framework of the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW). Recognition by heritage professionals, architects, and the wider public demonstrates the high regard in which the precinct is held.
Integrity/Intactness:	The buildings of the McCrossin's Mill Precinct have undergone comprehensive restoration works, in line with the best practice principles of the Burra Charter. Under the guidance of professional heritage practitioners, the buildings have been restored using traditional materials and methods. The integrity of the precinct is of a high standard.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:


	The society has applied for funds to do a conservation plan for the whole McCrossin's precinct: mill, chaff shed, stables/store. (Mayo, 2002)

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register	00161	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former	00161	08 Jan 82	3	0053
Local Environmental Plan	72	21 Oct 88
National Trust of Australia register	5549

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Godwin, Luke	1982	A Report to the Heritage Council of NSW on the Survey and Excavation of McCrossin's Mill, Uralla
Written	Graham J. Wilson OAM	2020	Nomination for revision of heritage curtilage on NSW State Heritage Register
Written	Heritage Council of NSW	1982	Local Historical Society turns Mill into Museum
Written	Kent Mayo	2002	McCrossin’s Mill...Many Hands...& Me
Oral History	Kent Mayo and Peter Myers	2012	McCrossin's Mill	View detail
Electronic	Uralla Shire Council		Uncle Les Townsend, Aniwan Elder of the Uralla District	View detail

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5045484
File number:	EF11/04131,S90/07233,HC 30351

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