Historical information

The Collins No. 2 Woollen Mill building dates from around the 1930s, however related buildings at that site were first constructed from around 1918, that was the Marnock Vale Wool Scouring Works.

The Union Woollen Mill founded in the 1870s by William Henry Collins, a major Geelong industrial enterprise, was among the local firms which flourished during the First World War period. From 1914-1918 Collins Bros. concentrated on equipment for the A. I. F.

However, afterwards Collins Bros. Pty. Ltd. specialised in the manufacture of flannels and blankets. From 1920 to 1938 the output was increased by fifty percent, and the number of employees rose to 200. The Collins Bros. No. 2 Mill was established in Bridge Street, Newtown. The proprietary brand 'Physician' became well and favourably known throughout Australia

source: Heritage Victoria

The Collins Bros Mills No. 1 and No. 2 hired over 250 people, and produced between 40,000 and 60,000 blankets for both the Australian market and for overseas export. Collins Bros closed both mills in 1974.

Physical description

Landscape photograph mounted on board showing a group portrait of staff seated and standing together in front of the Collins No. 2 Woollen Mill, Bridge Street, Newtown. Buildings, a chimney, towers, tanks, farmland, a car, powerlines and dirt roads are shown in the background.