Brandon, Lovf & Co.

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Brandon & Lovf Sawmills

The Rise and Fall of Bellthorpe’s Big Mill

Bellthorpe’s timber story is deeply tied to the rise of Brandon, Lovf & Co. Pty Ltd, who established a major sawmilling complex in the area around 1940. Built on the former Olsen’s Mill plant from Nundah, the operation brought employment, housing, and even a school to the region. Known for its modern facilities and high productivity, the mill became a central part of life in Bellthorpe until its destruction by fire in 1967. The legacy of the mill lives on through photographs, memories, and even artwork by those who called Bellthorpe home.

c1953: Brandon Sawmill

Small Beginnings to Big Business

Thomas William Brandon entered the timber trade in 1924 by purchasing a firewood depot at Eagle Junction. By 1939, he had grown his operations into T.W. Brandon and Sons Pty Ltd. The resumption of Olsen’s mill at Nundah provided the opportunity—alongside partner Peter Lovf—to relocate the plant and expand at Bellthorpe.

The Heart of Bellthorpe

The sawmill was much more than just a workplace—it formed the centre of the Bellthorpe settlement. With a large shed, gantry, houses for workers, and a school building, Brandon and Lovf’s operation brought modern industry to the region and employment to many local families.

The settlement of West Bellthorpe around the mill.

Workers at Brandon Sawmill

A Modern Operation with Strong Community Ties

Described as one of the most modern mills of its time, Brandon Timbers became a well-known name in Queensland forestry. Andy Russell carted timber to the rail yard in Woodford for transport to Brisbane, connecting Bellthorpe’s output with broader markets across the state.

A Fiery End and a Lasting Legacy

In 1967, a devastating fire “stripped the guts” out of the mill. Brandons chose not to rebuild, and the operation was sold to Grant Timbers for its timber quota, which was absorbed into their Woodford mill. Though the site never returned to its former industrial scale, its memory lives on in local stories, newspaper archives, and artwork by Bob Davis, who painted scenes from his youth in Bellthorpe.

c1998: Brandon gantry

Workers at Brandon Sawmill

A Modern Operation with Strong Community Ties

Described as one of the most modern mills of its time, Brandon Timbers became a well-known name in Queensland forestry. Andy Russell carted timber to the rail yard in Woodford for transport to Brisbane, connecting Bellthorpe’s output with broader markets across the state.

Memories in Paint
by Bob Davis

Bob Davis has captured moments from his early life through a beautiful series of paintings—many inspired by his time in Bellthorpe. Click the image to explore more of Bob’s artwork and personal stories from the region.

c1998: Brandon gantry

Photos by Neil Ennis

These recent colour photos by Neil Ennis beautifully capture the Bellthorpe area as it stands today. They offer a striking contrast to the historic imagery and provide a modern perspective on this once-thriving sawmilling community.