Woodford Sawmilling Company

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Woodford Sawmilling Company

Woodford’s First Sawmill

A Pioneer Effort in the Timber Industry
The Woodford Sawmilling Company holds the distinction of being the town’s first sawmill. Established in 1886 by James and Alexander Kirby alongside William Tracey Snr, the mill was built near present-day Archer Street and Kropp Road. Despite the abundance of local timber, financial struggles saw the mill close its doors by 1889. Though short-lived, its role in launching Woodford’s sawmilling history remains significant.

Ron Trim

Local Historian Recalls

“The first sawmill to be erected in Woodford, the Woodford Sawmilling Company, was situated behind the site of the current Police Station, on the corner of Archer Street and Kropp Road. The mill was owned and operated by the Kirby brothers, James and Alec, and William Tracey Senior. The Woodford Sawmilling Company operated for only a few years, closing because of financial problems.”

James Kirby (1863-1956)

James Kirby (1863–1956)

From the Workhouse to Woodford
James Kirby arrived in Australia as a child in 1866 with his mother Jane and brother Alexander, escaping the hardships of life in a British workhouse. The brothers later made their way to Durundur, where their knowledge of timber-getting led to the formation of the Woodford Sawmilling Company in 1886. James’s legacy remains as one of the original pioneers of Woodford’s timber trade.

The Rise and Fall of
Woodford’s First Mill

Step back in time through original newspaper reports that capture the energy and ambition behind Woodford’s first sawmill. From community meetings and share offerings to proud announcements of operations in full swing, these historic articles showcase the early days of pine and hardwood production. Explore first-hand accounts of the mill’s capabilities, timber quality, and the people who brought it to life—until its quiet closure just a few years later.