BALLARAT WOOLLEN AND WORSTED MILL

Khaki cloth was noted in February 1914. Blankets were being supplied to the armed forces in various States. In September 1914 the Mill was advised of the prospect of orders for the Expeditionary Force. In October of that year the Defence Department approved the transfer of a portion of the contract work to the idle Doveton Street Mill Co in Ballarat North.

Double shifts to 9pm commenced in the Carding and Spinning departments in January 1915. The Defence Department took over all output in March 1915 to October 1916 followed by a 20 week period of 50% on flannel and full requisition on blankets. In January 1917 a requisition for 18 000 yards of khaki cloth was imposed for three months. Wool could be requisitioned to meet its contracts up until at least September 1917.

The Company supported many of the war charities, such as Red Cross, the YMCA Hut for the Ballarat Showgrounds, Ballarat Committee for the French Red Cross, Western Croquet Club's Trench's Fair and the Cheer up Brigade Isolation Camp Soldiers Comforts funds. Some support was in the form of a monetary donation, perhaps up to £200, but for others it was the supply of wool. Employees planted a small Avenue of Honour outside the mill in Hill Street.
The Ballarat Courier, Thursday 18 October 1917, Page 2
SUNNYSIDE WOOLLEN MILL - lenghty and informative report. A summary can be seen in the Image Gallery in the category of War Work.