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Great Southern residents invited to reminisce on old Mill

Saskia AdystiGreat Southern Herald

Historian Dominic Walsh encouraged everyone from around the region to reminisce and celebrate Katanning Premier Roller Flour Mill next week.

Mr Walsh, who works for Dome Cafe Group, has spent almost two years researching the history of the Premier Mill, and discovering its relationship to the town. He hoped to hear more stories about the mill from the locals on Mill Memories Day.

“Some of the best stories I’ve heard have been from people who never stepped foot inside the mill,” Mr Walsh said.

“Whether they worked in nearby shops and had to cover up the goods overnight so they weren’t covered in flour in the morning.

“Or the boys who climbed to the top of the silos to catch pigeons to eat, or race, depending on the day.” The 124-year-old Katanning mill is currently undergoing a $4 million refurbishment courtesy of Dome’s managing director Nigel Oakey, and when finished will be used as a Dome hotel and cafe.

Mr Oakey said he planned to maintain the existing structure of the building and refurbish some of the old machinery used at the old mill.

The three-storey mill was originally built by Frederick Henry Piesse in 1891 and operated until 1977. It is a heritage-listed building in WA.

Mill Memories Day will be held next week on Tuesday, June 20 from 10am at the Katanning Historical society.

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