By Tate Papworth
Tucked away in the grassy suburb of Cairnlea lies a small building.
It looks unimpressive and you’d be forgiven for walking past it without a moments thought, but the little building holds a special place in Brimbank’s history.
The Black Powder Mill was built in 1942 in the midst of World War II with the purpose of making gunpowder.
Friends of the Black Powder Mill’s Olwen Ford said the mill stands for so much more these days.
“It’s a symbol of the explosives industry which started in Melbourne’s west 140 years ago,” she said.
“It’s one of the last serving reminders of the industry and the thousands of workers who served in it.”
The building and its machinery still function today and, once a year, the public is invited to have a look back into history.
This year, the Black Powder Mill (corner of Parklea Avenue and Grassy Point Road, Cairnlea) will open its doors on May 4 from 11.30am.
Ms Ford said it’s well worth a look.
“We think this is the only mill of its kind in Australia that still works and it’s the last part of a factory – now gone – which was pretty important,” she said. “On the open day we’re even going to have 19th century firearms being demonstrated … by a professional team.”
Stories of the Black Powder Mill – which will involve members of Friends of the Black Powder Mill and the Sunshine District Historical Society sharing some of the more infamous stories of the mill – will take place at the Sunshine library on April 14 from 2pm.
The mill will also feature in Brimbank’s National Heritage Festival, April 18 to May 19.
Details: www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/index.php/what-s-on/386-national-heritage-festival-2019
