Windy Station Woolshed

Item details


Name of item:	Windy Station Woolshed
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Farming and Grazing
Category:	Woolshed/Shearing Shed
Location:	Lat: -31.595899 Long: 150.384421
Primary address:	Windy Road, Pine Ridge, NSW 2343
Local govt. area:	Liverpool Plains
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Walhallow

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
PART LOT	4		DP	862900

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Windy Road	Pine Ridge	Liverpool Plains			Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
	Private

Statement of significance:


	Windy Station Woolshed is of state heritage significance for its historical role in the development of the fine wool industry the colony of NSW and its association with the Australian Agricultural Company (AAC), the colony's first private enterprise established with the aim of developing the fine wool industry in NSW. Designed using the best practice principles of the time and incorporating then cutting edge technology, Windy Station Woolshed, dating from 1901 demonstrates that the Australian Agricultural Company had achieved a high water mark of design and excellence in one of Australia's most profitable industries of the time, the production of fine wool. The shed also demonstrates, through its high productivity, the enviable level of achievement reached by the Australian Agricultural Company after almost 80 years' operation. The Windy Station Woolshed's state heritage significance is enhanced through its association with the outstanding AAC superintendent Jesse Gregson who was also a noted amateur Botanist who contributed greatly to the Botanic Gardens National Herbarium of NSW. Windy Station Woolshed is of state heritage significance for its aesthetic qualities as a large and majestic example of Federation Carpenter architecture with a strong resemblance to the large finger wharves constructed in Sydney around the same time. The woolshed is a landmark dominating the entrance to Windy Station, one of the most profitable and important historical pastoral stations in NSW. Its aesthetic significance also lies in that it is an excellently executed and innovative example of an early 20th century woolshed design, that incorporates and efficient process-flow layout and incorporates an efficiently designed mechanised shearing board. Windy Station Woolshed is of state significance for its research potential as its extensive extant fabric coupled with the overall design facilitating an efficient process flow layout and incorporating an efficiently designed mechanised shearing board clearly demonstrates the working of an productive and high quality early 20th Century woolshed set up to process fine wool. It likely has rarity values as its design and construction and intact condition is quite unique in NSW. It is also representative of the Australian Agricultural Company's quest to develop a fine wool enterprise in NSW and is a fine example of the of the technological and design development of woolsheds across NSW during the 19th Century.
	Date significance updated: 21 Apr 15
	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:	Frederick B Menkens
Builder/Maker:	Thomas and William Cowan
Construction years:	1901-1901
Physical description:	Windy Station Woolshed is a huge Federation Carpenter style structure built during 1901. The entire structure, shearing shed, wool room and sweating pens were constructed of timber with a corrugated iron roof. The timber was initially cut from trees on the property but was later supplemented by timber sourced from Curlewis and Narrabri. The upright members of the wool room and shearing shed are cut from single trees and extend from the foundation piers through to the roof. The shearing shed and wool room were designed in the efficient T plan that was introduced to woolshed design in the 1870s. The shearing shed originally contained 44 stands and has a large clerestory-roof which provided light and ventilation for the shearers. Behind the shearing board with its lofty clerestory roof are located the sheep race and catching pens The external walls of the shearing shed and sweating pens are not solid but are a timber lattice screen or vertical timber slats. The adjacent large wool room is solidly constructed of timber and still contains its original wool press and dump press as well as wicker wool baskets, wool tables and wool storage areas. The wool room'swestern wall has two double doorways with timber doors used to load wool bales onto transportation. Above the doors are a set of windows and above that two circular unglazed windows said to encourage the owl's access to the shed to deal with rodents. The shearing shed was constructed with a mechanised board powered by a steam engine located adjacent to the northern wall of the wool room evidence of which is still in situ. This powered a long drive shaft set on bearings beneath the shed and connected to a belt that drove a pulley beneath the shearing board floor which is still evident. A second belt passed through the floor to drive a pulley and shaft mounted high above the shearing board. Belts from this shaft drove the shearing gear. The external steam engine also powered the hydraulic accumulator that provided pressure to the wool press and dump press. These elements are all still in place. The complicated arrangement for driving the shearing shed was replaced by an oil engine set within an engine room opened up by removal of the first four shearing stands adjacent to the expert's room. The oil engine has been replaced by an electric motor set at the northern end of the board. To the east of the shearing shed and it's sheep race and catching pens is a timber sheep bridge which connects to the large sweating pens. The bridge itself is gated at intervals allowing control of sheep movement between the sweating pens and the main shearing shed. Local cypress (pine) was milled and used from Windy and after time was sourced from local timber mills. Oregon (Douglas fir) is also used in the shed as the cross-beams in the ceiling (Myers, 2022: additions by Stuart Read, 4/4/2022). The shed has 44 stands. In some places there are posts used from the one signle tree which reach from the underpinning all the way to the roof (Myers, 2022).
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The building is in generally good condition for its age, although there is evidence of extensive deterioration of the bases of posts below the wool potential: room. The site has moderate archaeological potential.
Modifications and dates:	Removal of the steam engine drive & replacement with oil engine set within what were originally shearing boards. Dismantling of the dumping press hydraulic system. Installation of electric drive for the shearing gear.
Further information:	The building has a very high degree of integrity.


Current use:	disused. The owners wish to conserve and present the woolshed to visitors (Myers, 2022).
Former use:	Aboriginal land, pastoral station (Warrah), subdivided pastoral station (Windy) woolshed

History

Historical notes:

Pre and Contact Aboriginal Custodianship
The original Warrah Station, now known as East Warrah Station and Windy Station was established was part of the traditional lands of the Kamilaroi people who cared for the land and sustained themselves hunting the birds, insects and animals of the plains and gathering and processing vegetables. There were strong trade and ceremonial ties with the Wonnarua Aboriginal people whose main country lay in the inland regions of the Hunter and Upper Hunter Valley.(Murrurundi www.smh.com.au/news 17/2/2005)

The Kamilaroi were a large nation of Aboriginal people extending from the Upper Hunter through to the Warrumbungle Mountains in the west and to the lower reaches of south west Queensland. This nation was made up of many smaller family groups who shared the gamilaraay language. (Kamilaroi Highway Project http://kamilaroihighway.com.au/history 15/9/14)

The Kamilaroi had a reputation as fierce warriors who defended their familial hunting grounds from other intruding bands and who also actively resisted European settlement for many years. One source noted that more than 500 Aboriginal and 15 Europeans were killed between 1832 and 1838 as European fortune hunters flooded into the Upper Hunter and Liverpool Plains area to settle (Broome 1988:101 cited in Fuller R.S, Norris R.P and Trudgetti M. The Astronomy of the Kamilaroi People and their Neighbours).

Exploration and settlement
The opening up of the Upper Hunter and Liverpool Plains area was facilitated in the first instance by explorers Benjamin Singleton and John Howe in 1818 and again in 1821. In this later journey Howe reached as far as the current location of Maitland which he appraised as being good sheep country. In 1824 it was Henry Dangar who reached land to the west of Murrurundi in search of new grazing land. The next ten years saw an influx of hundreds of settlers to take up Crown lands grants in the Valley and Plains beyond (First Contact in the Upper Hunter Valley www.working with atsi.info/content/reading 11B).

Despite the Aboriginal resistance to this invasion, sometimes characterised as 'a state of warfare', pressure from Europeans settling on and restricting access to land and its resources and the appalling effects of western disease on the indigenous peoples, resulted in their complete dispossession from their traditional land. By the mid to late 19th Century many Aboriginal people in the area had either accepted European life and settled in villages and towns or, perhaps more commonly, found residence on government reserves in the area such as Caroona near Quirindi or at St Clair reserve (later, 1905 St Clair Mission) between Singleton and Carrowbrook. The reserves allowed Aboriginal people to survive by farming and also using traditional hunting and gathering skills. (The Impact of Dispossession, Caroona and St Heliers, St Clair, Caroona and the Aborigines Inland Mission www.working with atsi.info/content/reading 11B, 11D and 11F)

The Australian Agricultural Company
The AACo was formed under an act of British Parliament in 1824 as a result of the recommendations of Commissioner Bigge. Bigge recommended that private investment and enterprise, possibly in the growing of fine wool, was a crucial measure in the viable future of the Colony of NSW. Working capital of a million pounds was recommended to be granted as was the promise of a Crown Grant of one million acres. (Gregson, 1907 1-18)

Keen to take advantage of the opportunity presented a group of potential investors gathered in the chambers of John Macarthur in Lincoln's Inn, London in April 1824. This group resolved to pursue the establishment of a company in accordance with Bigge's recommendations. They proceeded to lobby those in government to achieve their objectives. (Gregson 1907:1-14) An Act granting "powers and authorities to a Company to be incorporated by Charter to be called 'The Australian Agricultural Company'" was passed by Parliament in June 1824. (Gregson 1907:1-14) A Royal Charter was issued in November 1824 (Gregson 1907:18). Agents appointed in the colony to act on behalf of the company included James MacArthur. H.H. MacArthur and James Bowman (who later married Miss MacArthur) (Gregson 1907:16-17).
The company's representatives consulted with Surveyor General John Oxley regarding the availability of land suitable for achieving the company's primary purpose of growing fine wool. Oxley's initial suggestions of the Liverpool Plains or Upper Hastings River were rejected as they were too far from the coast. He then suggested the Port Stephens area with its fine harbour. The Upper Hunter River and Bathurst region were also considered. The Upper Hunter was rejected as it was within the then proclaimed "settled districts" and allocation of land here could create land use conflict. The sparsely settled Bathurst district was rejected on the same logic that applied to the Liverpool Plains. Port Stephens and large sections of its hinterland were selected and the company began to establish operations there by 1826. (Gregson 1907:22-30).

A group of potential investors headed by John Macarthur (son of John Macarthur of the notorious NSW Rum Corps) soon formed and in June 1824 the Australian Agricultural Company was enacted in Parliament. By November 1824, a Royal Charter was issued and agents appointed in the colony to act on behalf of the Company. These were James Macarthur, H.H. Macarthur and James Bowman, later husband to Miss Macarthur. Surveyor General John Oxley was consulted on the possible location of land suitable for growing fine wool. After rejecting his suggestions of land in the Liverpool Plains, Upper Hunter, Bathurst and Upper Hastings River on the grounds these areas were either too far from the coast and transportation, or too densely settled, land at Port Stephens was chosen and the company began to establish itself there by 1926. (Gregson 1907 22-30)

In the first years of its operation the Australian Agricultural Company struggled to establish its ambitious enterprise and this was not helped by the fact that the land at Port Stephens was not particularly suitable for raising sheep. It was not until after 1829 when Sir Edward Parry was appointed commissioner of the company that the search for suitable fine wool growing land began in earnest and Parry proposed a swap of land at Port Stephens for another more appropriate tract of land. In 1831 on the advice of surveyor Henry Dangar, Parry made the decision to select two large runs at Warrah Creek and Goonoo Goonoo which were considered favourable for raising fine-wool sheep. Finally in 1833, after the initial rejection of the scheme by Governor Bourke and then the insistence of the Colonial Office in London, two grants of 240,000 (Warrah) and 360,000 acres (Goonoo Goonoo) were made to the AAC.(Gregson 1907 52 - 59).

East Warrah Station and Windy Station
Small numbers of sheep were apparently moved to Warrah very soon after and in October 1833 the Australian Agricultural Company advertised for 'four good shearers at Warrah, Liverpool Plains, to commence shearing on 1st November" (Sydney Monitor 25.9.1833).

Development of the pastoral lands at Warrah was slow due to the shortage of available water on the run and the downturn in the demand for wool during the 1840s. In fact, the company's aim to establish a leading fine wool growing enterprise in the colony was sidelined by the fact that the AAC put most of its energy and resources into its profitable coal mining enterprises (under the monopoly it was handed in 1830). Cattle were fattened on Warrah and crops were grown there. With its limited usage the company began to consider selling half of the run in 1841. The western section of the run was leased to Edward Hamilton of Collaroy from about this time. (Gregson 1907:109-112).

In 1852 the Goonoo Goonoo run was sold to the Peel River Company. All livestock on Warrah was also sold to the Peel River Company. (Gregson 1907:144-145) By 1854 the Australian Agricultural Company had 42,295 sheep at Port Stephens and 10,255 wethers had been purchased for fattening on Warrah. The company at this time was seeking to take advantage of the increased demand for meat created by the gold rushes. A drought prevailing in 1854, followed by six months of incessant rain in 1855, decimated the sheep flocks at Port Stephens and by 1856 the company had only 26,308 sheep (ibid, 2011).

The 1850s appear to have been a low point for the company's operations and in 1857, following a series of financial reversals, shareholders began demanding a full inquiry into its management (Gregson 1907:186). Up to this time Warrah had been mostly used to fatten stock for market but Mr Hodgson, the company's new commissioner, was keen to move away from the "limited and precarious" "butchers market". Regardless of his plans to utilise Warrah for sheep breeding and fine wool production were delayed by the company's coal mining operations were drawing in most of its working capital. (Gregson 1907:202-203).

By 1860 the company directors had concluded that that returns from Warrah would be unsatisfactory until "they grew wool and bred sheep". Having just steered the company through a period of heavy capital investment they were reluctant to ask shareholders for the funds to make necessary improvements. (Gregson 1907:230). Regardless of this shareholder support for improvements on Warrah was obtained in 1862. Company General Superintendent E.C. Merewether was allocated (Pounds)30,000 to improve the property. Drought conditions prevailing during 1863 delayed the implementation of necessary works. (Australian Town & Country Journal 28.10.1871). During 1863 A.A. Company Stock Superintendent Samuel Craik designed a woolshed for Warrah. He had taken up residence on the run in 1861 and planned all of the early improvements. (Robertson)

It was not until the company came under the management of a new commissioner, Mr Hodgson, that it refocused on developing its fine wool growing enterprise and in 1862 received an allocation of 30,000 pounds to develop sheep breeding and shearing facilities at Warrah. Warrah remained the head station and central focus of the stations shearing activities up until the turn of the century.

In 1864 6,380 ewes were purchased from Andrew Loder at Colly Creek, J.H. Thee of New England, Lloyd and Lamb of Llangollen, Mr. Alison of Oakey Creek, and the Peel River Company. Most of these ewes were sent to the lambing ground and 5,473 lambs were born that year. According to Gregson " lambing and shearing became regular operations on the newly-formed station." The 13,799 sheep shorn in 1864 were washed in Warrah Creek. (Gregson 1907:242) After washing they were shorn in the newly constructed woolshed. According to the E.C. Merewether's report to the Australian Agricultural Company for 1864 a woolshed and yards were completed in time for commencement of shearing.

Merewether commented that "the shed answered well, and the sheep went into it readily". A superintendent's house, store and storekeeper's hut had also been constructed during the year. Additional sheep purchased in 1864 were pastured on West Warrah and Merewether arranged for an overseer to be stationed at Windy Point. (The Newcastle Chronicle and Hunter River District News 21 October 1865) Fencing of Warrah commenced in 1867 with forty miles of wire laid out during the year. Flock sizes increased dramatically in the late 1860s with 84,719 sheep shorn in 1870. (Gregson 1907:256-259).

The Australian Town and Country Journal's travelling reporter visited Warrah during shearing season in 1871. He was fascinated by the sheep-washing process and infrastructure developed to support it. His description of the washpool reads as follows: "The water is obtained here by damming back Warrah Creek with a rampart of earth a quarters of a mile long, by which means a large area of rather shallow and, also rather hard water is secured, from which Appold's eighteen-inch centrifugal pump raises a powerful stream, the barrel being inserted in a slabbed well alongside the dam. The whole plant is exceedingly neat, complete and arranged on the square where the pump at the further end of the engine shed is discharging into the reservoir, from which it descends by eight spouts underneath, where sixteen men wash 1400 to 1500 sheep a-day. The men stand in metal tubs, and are encased in waterproof sacks coming down over the tubs at either end of each spout. The jet is about seven feet of a fall from the surface of the reservoir to the sheep's back, the reservoir capacity being 5000 gallons, filled by the pump in forty five seconds. A long supply tank at right angles to the reservoir conducts water to the two boilers bedded in earth in the foreground, which are just equal to filling the soak-tank with a judicious mixture of soap, caustic soda, and water, at 110 degrees, renewable four times a-day, and assisted and maintained at that figure by two hot water tanks standing alongside the engine shed. The engine is a sixteen horse-power locomotive one, of Clayton and Shuttleworth's, has been working four years without standing in need of any repairs, while another of twenty horse-power has not as yet been unpacked." (Australian Town & Country Journal 28.10.1871)(ibid, 2011).

After describing the sheep-washing process the correspondent went on to describe the Warrah Woolshed. "The woolshed, which stands on rising ground close behind the head station at East Warrah, is not remarkable for size or pretension, but it is a cool serviceable shed, well-built, and has a good, roomy, shearing-floor. Thirty pair of shears undressing thirty fleece bearers, make a busy scene The press is a good old rack and pinion capable of turning out a dozen bales a day, averaging three hundredweight, and branded A.A. Co." (Australian Town & Country Journal 28.10.1871
The other buildings on the run were described as follows: "East or New Warrah, beside the woolshed, boasts the manager's residence, a very commodious and comfortable cottage, about to be enlarged, also shearers' barrack, store, stone stable, and out-buildings ; and has a grand look-out upon the home plain dotted with cattle, and watered by Warrah Creek Old Warrah bears out its title well, looking old abandoned, and forlorn ; this, however, is not strictly correct, for I saw a blacksmith and two dogs in it but Windy Point, or West Warrah, has a dense population There are the overseer's cottage, store, huts, drafting yards, and large dam for watering sheep, which watering is extensively provided over the estate, for, in addition to several dams, there are wells sunk, eight of which are worked by horse whims." (Australian Town & Country Journal 28.10.1871)(ibid, 2011).

In 1872 efforts were commenced to improve the quality of the flock. Fencing of Warrah West commenced in 1873 and enclosure of East Warrah was completed by 1875. In December that year over 110,000 sheep were pastured on the entire run. Shearing of 92,413 sheep was undertaken in 1875. (Gregson 1907:294-295).

The last decades of the 19th century saw a contest develop between would-be inventors of shearing machinery. By 1888 a war of words had erupted between Frederick Wolseley, inventor of mechanical shears, and John Suckling who had patented a shearing machine powered by compressed air (Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser 16.2.1888). The Australian Agricultural Company weighed into this debate in June that year, offering Wolseley and Suckling the opportunity to install 25 machines each in the Warrah Woolshed. The company indicated that it would fit the shed out entirely with the most successful apparatus. Suckling accepted but Wolseley declined. In consequence fifty of Suckling's compressed air driven machines were installed at Warrah, making it one of the first woolsheds in Australia fitted with shearing machinery. (Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate 9.6.1888) Later reports indicate that Suckling's machines were a failure and the shed reverted to hand shearing. It was still being shorn by hand in 1896 when a correspondent to The Maitland Weekly Mercury visited the run. (ibid, 2011).

The correspondent's report, published in December 1896, noted that 159,000 sheep had been shorn on Warrah that year with a yield of 2,589 bales of wool. The Warrah Woolshed had been expanded and was able to accommodate 62 shearers using hand shears. There appears to have been a double board with 32 men able to be accommodated each side of the catching pens. By this time pressing and dumping of wool was undertaken using a hydraulic system. This system, supplied by the Atlas Engineering Company in Sydney, was capable of pressing up to 60 bales of wool per day. Pressure for the hydraulic system was generated by an accumulator driven by a portable steam engine. The expanded woolshed was capable of holding 6,000 sheep. This report indicates that the shed's extended sweating pens had been constructed just before 1896.(ibid, 2011).

The same article included an account of preparations being made for construction of a new homestead at Warrah. "The proposed edifice promises to outshine its predecessor judging by the plan of the building shown me by Mr. Fairbairn. The rooms will be twelve in number, of the usual reception and living character, the construction of the villa being hardwood with brick foundations. It was originally decided that the whole composition should be brick, and in view of this a contract was entered into for the delivery of 1000 bricks (guaranteed) at 31s 6d per 1000. The 'experts,' who prided themselves on knowing good clay from bad, were shown a pit by Mr. Fairbairn, and at once pronounced the material to be excellent. A kiln in due course was burnt, but to the horror and dismay of the contractors, it was found that the bricks were worthless, so that the contract was considered off, and the idea of -building a brick house abandoned. The present foundations are composed of Murrurundi bricks, which are expensive, the cost for carriage delivered at Willow Tree being (Pounds)2 per 1000." (Maitland Weekly Mercury 19.12.1896)(ibid, 2011).

A new Woolshed:
Cutting of timber for a new woolshed to be located at West Warrah was commenced in January 1901 (Copeland, 1985). Local cypress (pine) was milled and used from Windy and after time was sourced from local timber mills. Oregon (Douglas fir) is also used in the shed as the cross-beams in the ceiling (Myers, 2022: additions by Stuart Read, 4/4/2022).
At that time, in 1901, work began on the design and construction of a large, new and handsome woolshed at Windy Station. By April 1901 it was clear that the sawmill established on Windy Station would not be able to supply the massive amounts of timber required for the new Federation Carpenter style woolshed so timber was brought in from Narrabri and Curlewis (Copeland 1985). By October 1901 the huge shed was in use at its first shearing utilising the newly fitted Burgon shearing machines, hydraulic dumper and wool press.

A correspondent writing for the Maitland Weekly Mercury in October 1901 described the completed Windy Woolshed as "gigantic" and "the best woolshed I have ever seen". He described the shed as follows: On entering I found about 24 men busy cutting off the golden fleece with the Burgon shearing machines. I watched their progress for awhile (sic) with the machines. After looking around the shearing floor I was invited to the wool room. I did so, and found a wool press and dumper in work, both working under the hydraulic pressure. Two men were pressing and one dumping, another weighing, branding, and booking the weights. There were over one hundred bales in the shed. There are bins for different classes of wool between the shearing floor and wool room. The roof of the shearing floor is a considerable height and has plenty of ventilation from the sides and light from- the roof. The light from the roof appears to be of louver, protected by small wire netting. is also a shed - in appears to be in apple-pie order. The men have good sleeping apartments, also cooking and dining rooms. All buildings are apart from each other." (Maitland Weekly Mercury 2.11.1901)(ibid, 2011).

During the first year of shearing 60,000 sheep were shorn at any period of time, 4000 sheep could be housed undercover in the shed. The shed has 44 stands. In some places there are posts used from the one single tree which reach from the underpinning all the way to the roof (Myers, 2022).

The pressure for closer settlement brought to bear on the A.A. Company and Warrah Station at the turn of the century and the eastern part of the run around (the present village of) Willow Tree was subdivided by the company in 1908. A further government resumption of 45,000 acres occurred and was sold in 1911 and still further subdivision and sales of east Warrah occurred in 1914, 1935 and 1967 resulting in the gradual withdrawal of the company from Warrah station to other properties.
Windy Woolshed was still equipped with Burgon Sheep Shearing Machines for the 1912 shearing season. R.M. Ogden, superintendent of Warrah Station, provided testimony of the performance of these machines to the manufacturers Burgon and Ball of Sheffield: "In reference to the 'New Burgon' hand piece, I have much pleasure in stating that it was used in the 'Windy' Woolshed, of 44 stands, during the 1912 shearing season, and gave every satisfaction." (The Land, 8 August 1913).

In 1969 the Warrah homestead was sold and the company interests in the area comprised about 33,000 acres on Windy Station in the north west corner of the original grant. (Warrah Station - UNE Archives). Windy Station was purchased by Romani Pastoral Company in 1997.

Currently cattle are run on Windy Station and there is also some cropping . Windy Station also has sheep fattening in the paddocks and each year a small number, around 20,000 sheep may be shorn at the windy woolshed. Other uses for the shed include the occasional wedding reflecting the shed's 20th century role as a bit of a social hub for the local community who attended parties and all night dances at the woolshed.(pers comm. with Keith Harris September 2014).

The shed is no longer used for shearing and Windy Station no longer runs a commercial flock of sheep. Romani Pastoral Company purchased it in 1997 and are still the owners of Windy and Warrah Stations, which combined are 50,000 acres in total. It is the wish of the owners that the shed retains its grandeur in a way so that visitors have access to it (Myers, 2022, abridged).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Environment/Contact: What do we know of the Contact Environment?-Environment (Natural) Control
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Modification of terrain-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Kamilaroi nation - occupation and use sites-
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	Private farming-
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	Clearing land for farming-
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	Associations with the Australian Agricultural Company, estd.1824-
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	Attempting to transplant European farming practices to Australian environments-
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	Ancillary structures - sheds, crop storage-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Tourist Industry-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
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	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Woolgrowing-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Working for pastoralists-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Wool storing-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Beef cattle breeding and raising-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Agisting and fattening stock for slaughter-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Wool/shearing shed-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Sheep farming for wool-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Technology-Activities and processes associated with the knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences	Keeping agricultural and pastoral equipment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Technology-Activities and processes associated with the knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences	Technologies of wool processing-
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.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
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.	Housing working animals-
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.	Architectural design-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	1820s-1850s land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early farming (sheep grazing)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Expressing lines of early grant allotments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Granting Crown lands for private farming-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Sub-division of large estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
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	Subdivision of rural estates-
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	Outlying settlements-
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	Outlying settlements-
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	Cultural Social and religious life-
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	living in the country-
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	Rural Estates-
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	A quiet Rural District-
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	Beautifying rural estates-
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	Developing the social life of a rural community-
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	(none)-
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	Vernacular hamlets and settlements-
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	Planning manorial villages and systems-
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	Role of transport in settlement-
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 with animals-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Being a part of a trades guild-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on pastoral stations-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working independently on the land-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on the land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - facilitating agriculture-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - facilitating pastoralism-
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.	Developing cultural institutions and ways of life-National Theme 8
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.	Applying architectural design to utlilitarian structures-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	musical gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Tourism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
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	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going dancing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing local clubs and meeting places-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with the Australian Agricultural (AA) Company-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Jesse Gregson, A.A. Company manager, grazing manager-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Frederick Menckens, architect-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Windy Station Woolshed is of state heritage significance because it represents the achievement of a technological high point in the Australian Agricultural Company's development of a fine wool enterprise in New South Wales. The company had been established in 1824 for this purpose. Development of Warrah as a centre for fine wool production commenced in 1862 and the construction of Windy Woolshed in 1901 demonstrated that the company had achieved excellence in the way it grew and handled its product. The woolshed demonstrates the levels of best practice achieved by the Australian wool industry after almost a century of development. The shed also demonstrates through its productivity the level of achievement reached by the Australian Agricultural Company after almost 80 years' operation.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The Windy Station Woolshed's state heritage significance is enhanced through its direct associations with the Australian Agricultural Company and its objective of developing a fine wool industry in NSW. It also has associations with the outstanding AAC superintendent Jesse Gregson, who was also a noted amateur Botanist who contributed greatly to the Botanic Gardens National Herbarium of NSW. Gregson was AAC superintendent of the AAC from 1975 to 1905. It was during his period of management that Windy woolshed was constructed and equipped.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Windy Station Woolshed is of state heritage significance for its aesthetic qualities as a majestic example of Federation Carpenter architecture. The design of the shearing shed bears a strong resemblance to the large finger wharves constructed in Sydney designed and constructed around the same time. The woolshed is a vast complex and has a majestic presence in the landscape, dominating the entrance to Windy Station, one of the most profitable and important historical pastoral stations in NSW. Its aesthetic significance also lies in that it is an excellently executed and innovative example of an early 20th century woolshed design, that incorporates and efficient process flow layout and incorporates an efficiently designed mechanised shearing board.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Windy Station Woolshed is of state significance for its research potential. Its surviving fabric includes most of the working components of a hydraulic dumping press and archaeological evidence of three phases of power transmission technology as well as its mechanised shearing apparatus. This extant fabric coupled with the overall design which facilitates a process flow layout and incorporating a well-designed mechanised shearing board clearly demonstrates the working of an efficient and high quality early 20th Century woolshed set up to process fine wool.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	It is of state heritage significance as a rare and intact example of a large and efficient woolshed with material evidence of its original equipment and fit-out. Its finessed layout to promote the flow of work processes through the shed and attention to airflow through the building via the clerestory structure make it almost unique in NSW. Windy Station Woolshed is also a rare intact example of a large woolshed complete with dumping press.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	It is of state heritage significance because the woolshed is representative of the Australian Agricultural Company's quest to develop a fine wool enterprise in NSW. Windy Station Woolshed is a fine example of the of the technological and design development of woolsheds across NSW during the 19th Century.
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:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT SITE SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL Windy Station Woolshed SHR No. 01963 I, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales, in pursuance of section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, do, by this my order, grant an exemption from section 57(1) of that Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out of any activities described in Schedule C by the owner described in Schedule B on the item described in Schedule A. The Hon Gabrielle Upton MP Minister for Heritage Sydney, 21st Day of December 2017 SCHEDULE A The item known as Windy Station Woolshed, situated on the land described in Schedule B. SCHEDULE B All those pieces or parcels of land known as Part Lot 4 DP 862900 in Parish of Windy, County of Buckland shown on the plan catalogued HC 2634 in the office of the Heritage Council of New South Wales. SCHEDULE C 1. Activities associated with the ongoing use of the building for its traditional or new farming related purposes which do not impact on the heritage values and heritage fabric of the building. 2. Works and activities to facilitate temporary events, not exceeding six months, taking place in the woolshed (including the installation of signage banners, temporary lighting, free standing furniture, mobile catering facilities, video screens) provided these activities do not damage heritage fabric and are in line with the policies of a Heritage Council endorsed Conservation Management Plan or Strategy for the woolshed. 3. Maintenance, cleaning and repairs of existing fabric and structures where such activities are in accordance with the conservation policies of a Heritage Council endorsed Conservation Management Plan or Strategy. 4. All activities for maintenance, installation and alterations to building electrical and lighting services where such activities are sympathetic to, and minimise alterations to, heritage fabric and spaces and are in accordance with the conservation policies of a Heritage Council endorsed Conservation Management Plan or Strategy. 5. All activities for maintenance and alterations to the storm water disposal system, such as guttering and downpipes, where such activities do not damage, are sympathetic to and minimise alterations to heritage fabric and spaces and are in accordance with a Heritage Council endorsed Conservation Management Plan or Strategy. 6. Structural reinforcement of existing building fabric where these activities are sympathetic to, and minimise alterations to, heritage fabric and spaces and are in accordance with a Heritage Council endorsed Conservation Management Plan or Strategy. 7. All works and activities associated with the maintenance and repair of the private roadway lying within the SHR curtilage which is not considered significant fabric. 8. Repairs and maintenance to the stockyards to the north east of the woolshed which are not considered significant fabric. 9. Works and activities to upgrade the existing kitchen fit-out where this does not impact on heritage fabric in accordance with a Heritage Council endorsed Conservation Management Plan or Strategy. 10. All works necessary to make the woolshed compliant with Liverpool Plains Shire Council's disabled access regulations so long as these works do not impact on significant heritage fabric, setting or views. 11. All works necessary to make the woolshed compliant with Liverpool Plains Shire Council's fire safety regulations, except for excavation of underground water-tanks within the SHR curtilage, so long as these works do not impact on significant heritage fabric, setting or views.	Jan 19 2018
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 Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01963	19 Jan 18	4	63

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written		2018	NSW Government Gazette	View detail
Written	Cannon, Anne	1992	Woolsheds and Catastrophe Theory
Written	Copeland, Helen	1985	History of the A.A.Co. and district
Written	Gregson, Jesse	1907	The Australian Agricultural Company 1824-1875
Written	Mansfield, George Allen	1863	Plans of Woolshed at East Warrah for the A.A.Company
Written	Myers, Fiona	2022	The 15 most iconic Aussie wool sheds: Cooinbil, Yanga, Cordillo Downs	View detail
Written	Powell, Merrilee		Between Creeks
Written	Quirindi & District Historical Society		Journal vol. 11 no. 3
Written	Robertson, J.R.	2012	Equipping a Pastoral Property. Warrah 1961-1875	View detail
Written	The Sydney Daily Mail	1901	The Sydney Daily Mail - 21st December 1901

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:	5062354
File number:	EF14/7660

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

All information and pictures on this page are the copyright of Heritage NSW or respective copyright owners.