Osmond Brothers’ sawmill
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Osmond Bros Sawmill
A Family Legacy at Bellthorpe
Sawmilling was a family affair for the Osmond brothers—Charlie, George, and Ronnie—who established a case mill at Bellthorpe around 1947. With roots in Woodford dating back to the early 1900s, the Osmond family played a valuable role in supporting the fruit-growing industry through the supply of timber fruit cases. This page captures the story of their mill, told through memories, newspaper clippings, and personal photos generously provided by Les Osmond.
Early days at the Sawmill. Later extensions were added to make it bigger. Charlie Osmond nursing Les Osmond.
Photo courtesy of Les Osmond.
Early Days in Woodford
Charles William Osmond came to Woodford in 1910 as a child and grew up at his grandfather Jimmy Withers’ dairy farm, ‘Rotherfield’, on Cove Road. By 1928, Charlie and George Osmond had pooled their earnings from Fredin’s Mill to purchase land at Bellthorpe, next to Walter Lovf’s property.
Building the Sawmill at Bellthorpe
In 1947, Charlie, Ronnie, and George (as a sleeping partner) each contributed £200 to establish the Osmond Brothers case mill at 379 Bellthorpe West Road. The mill produced mainly case timber for packing fruit, with orders sent to Elimbah and Stanthorpe.
Working Through the 1930s–1950s
From the 1930s, the Osmonds cut flooded gum for Elimbah fruit growers. Timber was railed from Woodford, and the mill supported regional agriculture through its case production. Ronnie stepped away from the business after an accident in 1949.
Les Osmond 5 months old with his mother
Ellen sitting in from of the cut casings at the Sawmill.
Photo courtesy of Les Osmond.
Charlie Osmond with Bob and Irene Campbell and obscured is Les Osmond. Photo courtesy of Les Osmond.
Life Around the Mill
Photos from the Osmond family show daily life at the mill—from log cutting and snigging with their International TD-35 tractor, to images of Ellen Osmond and baby Les sitting among cut timber. The sawmill grew over time, and many of these moments have been preserved thanks to Les Osmond’s generous contributions.
A Legacy Remembered
Charlie Osmond retired with his wife Nellie to Deception Bay in 1965. Today, the original sawmill site stands as a memory of hard work, resilience, and the important role the Osmond family played in Bellthorpe’s timber and farming history.
Photos by Les Osmond
These treasured images from Les Osmond showcase the daily life, people, and machinery that made the Osmond Bros Sawmill a key part of Bellthorpe’s timber story. From early mill operations to family moments on-site, these photos offer a rare glimpse into a bygone era of rural industry.
The Internation TD 35 that done all the snigging for the sawmill. It was sold to Mr Heathwood from Dayboro.
The Fleet
Painting by Bob Davies.
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& Every 3rd Sunday
Address
109 Archer Street, Woodford, Queensland, Australia,
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Woodford Country Markets
are held on the 3rd Sunday of
each month from 7am to noon.