Model of the Barrabup Mill

Whilst the Barrabup Mill was not located in the Busselton Shire, processed timber from this mill was transported by train to the Busselton Jetty for shipping. The Barrabup Mill was operational from 1909 to 1925.

Here are some reminiscences about the Barrabup Mill from the model maker Carter Harbeck .

"The early origins of the mill are very hazy but I do know that it was built around 1909. The squared timber used in the building of it was obtained from a spot mill situated near Bibalup, about 5 miles on the way from Nannup to Busselton.

At the time the Busselton to Nannup railway was being built and had just passed through Cambray, 6 miles away. When in full running, the mill would have employed 80 to 100 men. There were others also such as a doctor, nurse, boarding house keeper and assistants, so there was quite a settlement. There was also a hall, billiard saloon and post office etc.

Mr W Lightly was managing the mill first off, until the Kauri Timber Company bought it and Mr Robert Smith was installed as a manager, with his brother as second in command, who was later to build Ellis Creek Mill and manage same."

WW1 enlistment papers show a Robert Malcolm Smith, born Aratapu, New Zealand in December 1894, who in 1916 gave his postal address as Ellis Brook, Barrabup. Ellis Creek Mill was established in 1913 and was east of Nannup so the Ellis Brook mentioned is likely to have been Ellis Creek and the Barrabup attached to Ellis Brook might be a clerical error. Or maybe as both mills were owned by the same company all mail went to one address. Anyway if Robert Malcolm Smith managed the Ellis Creek Mill from its opening in 1913 he would have been about 19 years old, which is pretty impressive as it was a decent size operation, and by the mid 1920’s had 40+ houses.

By the way, Robert Malcolm Smith, was not successful in enlisting despite trying 5 times!