Stephens & Simpson Sawmill
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Stephens & Simpson Sawmill
Holding On Through Changing Hands
In 1942, Robert Ernest (Bob) Stephens and Michael (Mick) Simpson acquired the Woodford sawmill from Becker & Co. Situated beside the railway tracks on Coronation Avenue, the mill had already passed through several hands since its construction in the 1920s. With a background in timber milling at Gympie Road, Chermside, Stephens and Simpson brought their expertise to Woodford, running the mill under their partnership for over a decade.
1964: Woodford Station yard with sawmill in the background
(looking south) Photo: J Armstrong
A Site of Legacy
Following World War II, the mill saw a variety of operators, including Paddy Bourne and later Gordon Fredin, as remembered by local historian Ron Trim. Simpson’s Sawmill remained active into the 1960s before finally closing its doors. Though now quiet, the site was once a hive of timber industry activity and remains part of Woodford’s sawmilling legacy.
From Chermside to Woodford: Simpson’s Years
Michael (Mick) Simpson (1913–2008) brought deep industry experience and community connection to Woodford. By 1955, the business was known locally as Simpson’s Sawmill. Arthur Frederick Bourne—Bob Stephens’ brother-in-law—became mill manager by the late 1950s and stayed in the role until his death in 1964. He was buried in Woodford, a sign of the family’s ties to the area.
Photo Right: c1960: Front: Mick Simpson and his daughter,
Circled – Norman Robson, Squared on his right, Sam Walker’s grandfather at Simpson’s Mill at Chermside.
Breaking Timber Ceilings
In 1951, The Telegraph profiled Miss Stephens in a feature titled “Women Make Success of Sawmilling.”
With a confident belief that women were just as capable in the industry, she stated:
“Provided they possess the necessary assets and qualifications, I see no reason why women should not undertake such work.”
Miss Stephens, daughter of Woodford sawmiller R E Stephens,
had an active interest in a mill at Dayboro and declared that “sawmilling is in her blood.”
Her story remains a striking example of pioneering women in Queensland’s timber trade.
Image Left: Telegraph 13th January 1951 prior to Miss Stephens
taking over the running of the Woodford Sawmill
Ron Trim
Local Historian Recalls
Bob Stephens and Mick Simpson were also involved in it as well. After the war was over, it was being run by Paddy Bourne, and in later years by Gordon Fredin until it closed during the 1960s.
Arthur Frederick Bourne
(1905-1964)
A Steady Hand at the Mill
By 1959, Arthur Frederick Bourne—brother-in-law to R.E. Stephens—had taken on the role of mill manager at Woodford. A familiar face in the timber yard, he is believed to have managed operations right up until his passing in June 1964. He was laid to rest in Woodford, the community he served with quiet dedication.
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Address
109 Archer Street, Woodford, Queensland, Australia,
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are held on the 3rd Sunday of
each month from 7am to noon.