Establishment of the Mill – Donnelly River (1948 to 1978)
Brothers Robert & Arthur Bunning entered the Western Australian timber industry in 1886. They turned their attention to the site of the old Wheatley Mill in State Forest No 34. The company decided to call this new mill Donnelly after the river running through it. The move by the Bunnings to establish a large mill on the Donnelly was prompted by the post-World War II housing boom, which placed considerable pressure on local timber supplies.
The Government of Western Australia under a joint Commonwealth and State agreement agreed to expand the saw milling industry to accommodate the high demand of timber products. The Donnelly Mill and cottages were developed as part of this agreement.
By early 1947 engineer John Scott had plans for the new Donnelly Mill on the drawing board with the townsite pegged out on 25 April 1948.
The first log was cut on the 13th September 1950 and the construction of the mill commenced under the supervision of Henry (Harry) Martin.
The official opening was held on 24 April 1951 by Acting Premier, A F Watts MLA. Mr Watts ceremonial duties included operating the machinery to saw a log.
On opening, Donnelly River Mill was one of 265 saw mills in Western Australia.
The first manager of Donnelly River Mill was Roy Britten followed by Gordon Morfitt, Barny Ammondale, Eddie Valom, and Ken Young. Ron Adams carried on as manager until the close down.
The mill officially ceased operations on 30th June 1978.
