OBSERVER: Stories of Bradmill
Yarraville, a vibrant inner-western suburb of Melbourne, known for its village atmosphere and heritage architecture, was once a mix of industry servicing a fledgling Melbourne and beyond.
Back in 1925 and founded as Davies Co-op, Bradmill grew to become recognized as a most important textile producer, expanding into spinning, weaving, becoming a national leader in cotton milling and industrial innovation.
Supplying to major brands worldwide and employing thousands it started to cease operations early in 2000.
Now some 20 years later, its legacy has been captured on film by Outrun Creative, directed by Robert Geary, titled Stories of Bradmill and premiered at the Sun Theatre, Yarraville.
Historian Olympia Koziaris interviewed over 70 former employees in her collection of stories that are the backbone of the film.
In about 1959, a new mill was built on a large greenfield site in Yarraville, where they had access to one million gallons of water a day for the Dye Plant, and with the latest highly specialised machinery they became the world leader, producing some 36 million square metres of cotton denim a year satisfying a thirsty world market.
To do this, Vic Muscat, former Spinning Department Manager, said that the multicultural mix in the local community was of great influence in Bradmill being able to reach high production levels.
New overseas machinery arrived in 1989 that enabled further expansion of Bradmill products. Former Managing Director, Rob Dickson emphasised that the workforce at Bradmill was a large cohesive family, supporting generations within the community.
“Put people first, and we will succeed”, said Bob Green, former Operations Manager.
However as captured in the film, early in 2000 ageing machinery required updating, overseas markets were providing cheaper products and with working conditions changing, Bradmill could no longer sustain viable production.
The site finally closed in 2006, abandoned and falling into ruin; its future is now changing with its acquisition by Frasers Property Australia, reimagining the site as Bradmill Yarraville – a major mixed-use community featuring residential, retail, commercial, and green spaces.
Stories of Bradmill is a “heartfelt tribute to the workers and community that shaped one of Australia’s most iconic denim factories.”
Review by Graeme McCoubrie
Pictured: Lucile and Graeme McCoubrie attended the premiere screening of Stories of Bradmill.