The Logan and Albert Co-operative Dairy Factory was described by Kathleen Nutting in her 1974 book, ‘Then and Now: The story of Beaudesert’, as one of Beaudesert’s most valuable assets. Not only did the factory provide employment, it provided an essential product. The cream became Budgeree Butter, the main product of the factory for many years. The butter was packed in boxes for onward transport to Brisbane and some exported.
There have been numerous local families involved in the milk trade. However, it is important to recognise the Fisher family. Originally starting with Clive Fisher’s horse and cart delivering to billycans on doorsteps, three generations of this family have been involved in the local milk industry.
The production of bottled milk, introduced when electricity came to the district, saw it delivered to households in the town area. The glass milk bottles, with their stamped silver foil lids were swapped for empties and left on the doorstep.
Over time, various new products were manufactured including Casein, cheese, flavoured milks and yoghurt. Casein was a very profitable by-product. Many residents reminisce about the ‘milk straws’ they received as they walked past the factory on their way home from school.
The butter factory, built on land adjacent to the railway line, is no longer in existence. Following its closure in 1987, the building was partly occupied by NORCO. However, it gradually became derelict. Various schemes for its renovation were put forward in the early 2000s, including the possibility of a new town library; however, the site was sold and the building dismantled.
Although no longer operating, or supplying employment opportunities, a representative part of the butter factory machinery is now on display at the Beaudesert Museum. Please join us at an Open Day on June 27.
The museum is at 54 Brisbane Street, Beaudesert. For more information phone 5541 3740 during opening hours 10am to 2pm, 7 days a week or visit www.beaudesertmuseum.org.au
