Welcome to Toganmain Woolshed Precinct
Welcome to Toganmain Woolshed Precinct
A new book celebrating 150 years of the iconic Toganmain woolshed!
We’re excited to announce that the book Toganmain Woolshed: Then and Now will be launched during the 150th anniversary weekend on 14–15 June.
The book includes a brief history of Toganmain Station’s ownership; poems, diary entries and memories from shearers, wool classers, shedhands, hut keepers and cooks; the story of the Friends of Toganmain, their restoration journey and future vision; and a rich collection of old newspaper clippings alongside many historical and recent photos.
The book will be available for purchase at the celebration weekend or via the Friends of Toganmain website for $45 + postage.
Soft cover, A4 format – 120 pages.
To help us estimate print numbers, we’d love to know if you’re interested in buying a copy.
Lexie Keane is passionate about preserving local history and the personal stories that bring it to life. With two books on Queensland’s Meandarra district already to her name, Lexie generously volunteered her time and talents to help tell the story of the Toganmain woolshed and those who worked there.
👉 Please send us an email message to register your interest.
We’re running a raffle to raise funds for the 150th. Prizes include:
🖼 A framed photo by volunteer Julie Clarke, in timber reclaimed from the sheepyards by Jarom Stokes
🔥 A portable campfire donated by BCF Griffith
🌸 Garden flower sculptures donated by Marija Maclean
Tickets are $5 each, available online:
As part of our 150th celebration, we’ll have a variety of market stalls offering delicious food and a range of other goodies. If you’re interested in running a stall, click the button below to download the form for full details, and secure your spot as soon as possible!
New volunteers need to complete a Volunteer Application Form. When our next working bee comes along you'll be good to go.
For over 30 years, Andrew Chapman has captured the heart of Australia’s shearing sheds and the resilient workers who keep them alive. Some of his stunning images were taken at Toganmain, preserving a way of life that, against all odds, continues to endure. Buy your copy here and help Toganmain as well!
If you haven't seen the feature about Toganmain that was broadcast on ABC's Landine program last July click the button below to check it out.
Please note that the email address to get in touch has changed slightly. Don't worry if you forget and use the old one, we'll still get your message.
The new address is: info@toganmain.org.au
Help Us Preserve Toganmain Woolshed
The Toganmain Woolshed is a vital part of our region’s cultural heritage, and we need your help to ensure its legacy endures. We’re exploring funding opportunities to restore this iconic site, document its stories, and host a grand 150th anniversary in 2025.
Share your thoughts and show your support by contributing to our Support Register using our online form. Your input will help us strengthen our efforts to secure grants and bring these preservation projects to life. Together, we can keep the spirit of Toganmain alive for generations to come.
Do you have a personal story about Toganmain? Did you, a family member or a friend work there? We'd love to about hear it!
Please get in touch with us via our dedicated storytelling email address and we'll get back to you and make sure your tail becomes part of our collection.
Nestled between Darlington Point and Carrathool along the Murrumbidgee River, Toganmain Station was a key player in the Riverina's wool industry. Established by Sir Alexander Macleay and expanded by the Robertson family from 1867, it boasted 167,000 acres and significant river frontage. In its prime, the station's massive 75 by 25 metre woolshed, equipped with 110 blade stands and later Wolseley machines, was renowned for its high-quality wool. Toganmain's prosperity mirrored the wool boom of the early 20th century but waned with the advent of synthetic fibres and drought. Today, it remains a symbol of Australia's rich pastoral history.
Even today the woolshed conjures up memories of the great pastoral holdings which occupied Murrumbidgee River frontage from Darlington Point to Hay. The vision for the site is an immersive curated museum that will use recorded oral shearers stories, written accounts and interpretative signage, to bring to life Australia's vital pastoral history in an environment which stimulates all the senses.