Grant’s Sawmill
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Grant’s Sawmill
Woodford’s Longest Running Sawmill
Nestled in the heart of Woodford, the sawmill at 7 Sawmill Road has powered through decades of change, growth, and industry evolution. From Fredin’s early days in the 1920s to the long-standing stewardship of the Grant family, this site is more than just a mill – it’s a symbol of resilience and community. With operations continuing into the present day, it’s one of Queensland’s few remaining links to a proud sawmilling legacy.
Clyde Miller, Myles Becker, Arthur Brooks, Tom Becker,
Victor Carmichael, Harry Mitchell, Walter Michel.
From Ashes to Industry
Fredin’s New Beginning
After the devastating fire that destroyed his original sawmill near One Mile Creek, Anders Fredin didn’t walk away — he crossed the creek. Establishing a new site at what is now 7 Sawmill Road, Fredin rebuilt not just his business, but a cornerstone of Woodford’s early industry. With steam-powered machinery and sheer determination, he laid the foundation for a mill that would outlast generations.
The Fredin Family Legacy
Timber wasn’t just work — it was the Fredin way of life. A striking photo from the early days shows Anders seated with Alice, Gordon, Elsie, and Evelyn Fredin on a massive log, surrounded by the very materials that built the region. Their presence on site reflects how deeply family and business were interwoven, shaping a hands-on legacy that still echoes through Woodford’s history.
Left to Right Alice Fredin, Gordon Fredin, Elsie Fredin, Anders Fredin and Evelyn Fredin sitting on a log in the log yard.
photo courtesy Mick and Cheryl Duggan.
1927 Largest log, a Blue Gum cut in the sawmill up to that time. Charlie Steward on top of the log, George Osmond left and Bill Swatts on the right.
Photo courtesy Mick and Cheryl Duggan.
A Giant Among Logs
1927 Blue Gum Record
In 1927, Fredin’s sawmill achieved a milestone: the largest Blue Gum ever cut at the site up to that time. The moment was captured with Charlie Steward perched atop the massive trunk, flanked by George Osmond and Bill Swatts. It’s a powerful reminder of the scale and skill involved in early sawmilling — a testament to Fredin’s ambition and the hard-working crew who made it happen.
A New Chapter Begins
The Grant Takeover (1959)
In 1959, the Fredin family sold the Woodford sawmill to William (Bill) Grant, a seasoned timber-getter and sawmiller. At the time, the mill was rundown and still powered by steam. Bill immediately modernised the site, converting it to electricity and replacing outdated equipment with some of the best available machinery. This move not only extended the life of the mill but began a new era of growth and innovation under the Grant name.
Bob Grant left with father Bill Grant.
From the publication Timberman, June 1999.
Protecting Local Industry
The Brandon Timbers Era
In January 1971, Grant’s Mill was amalgamated with Brandon Timbers and subsequently when Brandon’s was taken over by the NSW Company Robb & Brown, the Grant family bought back the Woodford mill together with the company’s substantial landholdings in the Bellthorpe area.
Mick Duggan Recalls
After Anders Fredin’s sawmill burnt down that was above the One Mile creek (see Fredin) Fredin built a sawmill at 7 Sawmill Road Woodford.
In 1959 the sawmill was sold to Bill Grant and has been operation almost continuously to this date. Making it over 90 years in operation. It would be good to see it operate for a few more years at least to celebrate 100 years of service.
Mick & Cheryl Duggan (nee Fredin)
By Terry Lubomirski
Fred Lubomirski’s Story
My Dad, Fred Lubomirski, was involved in the timber industry from an early age.
‘May 1969, Fred got a job with Woodford Timbers as a truck driver. This was the beginning of a long association with the company, later known as Grant Timbers.
When Fred started working for the company, he was driving the old B Model Mack along with another driver, Arthur Curry. The owner of the business at the time was Bill Grant but it wasn’t long after this that his son Bob took over. You would often see Bill drop in to check on the operation. Bob was a regular at the mill and quite often a young Shane Grant would be at his father’s side.
Fred’s day consisted of one or two trips into the bush around Bellthorpe and Jimna, hauling huge logs out to the sawmill in Woodford. After lunch they would load bundles of sawn timber and head off to Geebung where they were dropped at Grant Timbers outlet near the railway station. Now all long gone. This trip always meant he was home on dark. He also at various times made trips to Burnett Creek in the Boonah region, and to Linville in the Brisbane Valley.’
‘Fred continued to work at the mill until his retirement on 8 August 1988.’ By Terry Lubomirski
Bob Grant left with father Bill Grant.
From the publication Timberman, June 1999.
A Timber Legacy
The Story of Bill Grant
Discover the rich legacy of one of Queensland’s pioneering hardwood sawmillers in this in-depth feature article from The Timberman magazine. Through shared memories, rare photographs, and personal reflections from Bob Grant and his son Shane, this piece offers a fascinating look at the life and legacy of William (Bill) Grant – a man whose passion for timber helped shape the industry across generations.
Through the Timber Years
Step back in time with this collection of historic photographs capturing life at the mill from the Fredin family’s early days through to the era of Grant Timbers. From steam-powered saws to timber-laden trucks and the faces behind the work, each image tells a story of resilience, hard work, and community.
Left to Right Alice Fredin, Gordon Fredin, Elsie Fredin, Anders Fredin and Evelyn Fredin sitting on a log in the log yard.
photo courtesy Mick and Cheryl Duggan.
Gordon Fredin, on the bonnet and unknown with a one log load on the Leyland.
Photo courtesy Mick and Cheryl Duggan.
1927 Largest log, a Blue Gum cut in the sawmill up to that time. Charlie Steward on top of the log, George Osmond left and Bill Swatts on the right. Photo courtesy Mick and Cheryl Duggan.
Fredin's Sawmill workers. Dates unknown.
Photo from Una O'Brian, Collection Held at the Woodofrd Historic Society Museum.
Jim Ranson, Gordon Palmer, Charlie Becker, Tom Becker, Rick Pichett, George Osmond, Bill Swartz, Harry Mitchell, Bill Vahry, Arthur Mitchell.
Photo from Una O'Brian, Collection Held at the Woodofrd Historic Society Museum.
Bob Grant left with father Bill Grant. From the publication Timberman, June 1999.
Grant's Sawmill 1982
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