Historical information

This foundry had been a landmark in Mt Korong Road for many years. It began with an Osborne and Mitchell. After 1914 when mining declined, it became the Golden City Implement boundary and the name can still be seen painted on on the façade which faces the intersection of Marong Road (Calder highway) and Eaglehawk Road. The interior is a mass of used and un-used machinery scattered amongst modern lathes and more modern apparatus. The yard was a fascinating graveyard of past times, with old mining and agricultural scrap everywhere mixed up with coke and slag from the smelting sheds at the rear. A feature of the foundry was the manufacturer of cast iron lace.

This document provides a historical and contemporary overview of the Osborne family's blacksmith and metalworking business in Bendigo, highlighting its longevity, operations, and significance:

The business dates back to at least 1855, originally starting as a general store before evolving into a metalworking factory. The original founders were Osborne and Mitchell; Mitchell left early on, and the business changed hands several times before being acquired by Oscar Osborne (not related to the original Osborne founder). Oscar Osborne managed the machine shop and foundry, eventually acquiring it. His sons, Charles and Walter, now run the business with Stan, a descendant of the original founder.

The current operators are Charles and Walter Osborne (brothers) and Stan (a descendant of the original founder but not directly related to the brothers). The business is known for its continuity and resilience, surviving as one of the oldest in Bendigo while others have disappeared or are newcomers. The workshop covers about a third of an acre and houses a large array of machinery and tools (nearly 200 between the three operators).

The Osbornes pride themselves on traditional skills and methods, many of which are being lost in modern times. They are renowned for repairing a wide range of metal items, especially for antique dealers, and for producing high-quality crowbars and decorative iron lace for both restoration and new construction. Much of their work comes from Adelaide, and they maintain a steady demand for their specialized services. T

he foundry and machine shop are considered landmarks in Bendigo, located on Eaglehawk Road opposite the Marong turn-off.The business was deeply embedded in the local community and history, with the Osborne name still prominent in the district.

Physical description

National Trust Survey Data Sheet and article from the Bendigo Advertiser November 4th 1981. Osbornes Ironbark Foundry

This items contains the following documents

3084.47a Bendigo advertiser Article 4th November 1981 "Bendigo Firm is Still Going Strong"

3084.47b National Trust Data Survey Sheet July 9th 1977

3084.47c Black and White photo of Charles Osborne