1857
Tramroad constructed from near Merri & Henna Sts corner to the port
1869
Meat Preserving company commenced on the site using a new vacuum system of canning cooked meat for export. A large sandstone building & 3 smaller building were constructed. By 1872 this company had failed due to exports to Britain causing delays in payment for googs.
1882
Fire destroyed the buildings & the company. The site remained derelict for 27 years.
1909
40,000 pounds was required to build the new mill. Nearly all this money was raised through volunteer canvassers in Warrnambool. The first manager John E Bennett, from Yorkshire returned to England to purchase machinery & recruit experienced staff.
1911
25 skilled workers brought out from England to teach local workers. There were 25 blanket & flannel looms, 31 more were installed in 1912. Later box looms for rugs, fancy cloth & worsted ( a high quality type of wool yarn. The name derives from Worstead in England.) looms, ensuring a total of 146 looms
1940s
Due to wartime demand, production increased. Staff increased to 700. Two new annexes were opened in Port Fairy in 1944 & Timor St in 1945. Both were closed in the mid 1950’s
1955
A new company was formed in partnership with Wangaratta Woollen Mills. At this time buildings were updated & facades & signs modernised.
1968
Wendouree Woollen Mill was purchased as well as Dreamspun in 1979. The Mill was sold to Dunlop ending a 60-year period of independent, mostly locally owned operation.
1970s
Blanket finishing & packing buildings were constructed on the north side of the site with the cliff face cut back to accommodate them.
1983
Onkaparinga taken over by Macquarie Worsteds & now trading as Warrnambool Textiles.
2000
The Mill closed after 90 years of operation, the contents auctioned the following year.
2009
The first residents moved into the new building development.