Rural heritage to be preserved

08 Nov 2016 Country News insert, Shepparton VIC (General News) The Victorian Government is helping safeguard and reactivate a unique heritage site in Murchison, funding a $500 000 upgrade for Days Flour Mill. The steam-powered Days Flour Mill named after its original owners William and Anne Day is considered the bestpreserved 19th century flour mill in Victoria and possibly Australia. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the funding was from the governments Living Heritage Program for restoration works so the mill would be preserved for tourism and community use. Were lucky to still be able to see the original workings of the mill and we have a responsibility to make sure it is preserved and able to be opened for visitors, Ms Symes said. She said the mill was identified in a Heritage Victoria audit as needing urgent upgrade and stabilisation works, which would include brickwork repairs and structural work on a chimney. The mill has remained in the Day family since 1865 and is credited with stimulating early development in the surrounding area. In the 1880s, new technology changed the milling industry and with the growth of the railway system, led to a concentration of mills nearer the city. Days Flour Mill became a rare and important relic of pre-1900 manufacturing processes and its original machinery and steam engine are still in place. Caption Text: History protected . . . Victorian Government funding will help maintain Murchisons Days Flour Mill. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.