Butter factory to go out with bang
GREG Lee says the Last Chance Butter Factory Ball is not like John Farnham’s last chance tour – it will be the historic building’s final hurrah with no more comebacks.
The businessman, who will re-develop the site into an independent living complex, wants the Biloela butter factory to go out with a bang with the big ball on February 27.
"It will be the last chance to be part of an event at the buttery factory," Mr Lee said.
"People will be part of history – it will be a big night," he said.
Funds raised from the ball, hosted by Biloela Rotary, will go to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson and other local charities.
Mr Lee and a committee will go into over drive to prepare the old building for its final big shebang, with much work already being completed outside.
Special guests for the night will be Biloela raised former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy, and legendary actor Michael Caton, (star of The Sullivans, The Castle and Packed to the Rafters) whose father was killed at the factory.
On October 9, 1945, 42-year-old Septimus Caton was accidentally killed while working on the engines in the factory
Born in Monto in 1943, Michael was just under two years of age when his father died
The Butter Factory dates back to April 1936 when four acres of scrubland off Callide Street was allotted and tenders were called for the factory’s construction.
Construction began in October and it took five months to complete the $22,000 building.
It officially opened on March 2, 1937, in front of 200 men and women all dressed in hats and gloves.
Some even travelled from Rockhampton on a special train for the occasion.
The building formally known as the Port Curtis District Butter Factory was considered one of the most modern factories in Australia and was Biloela’s first brick complex.
The Port Curtis District reluctantly closed the factory in June 1975, due to dwindling cream supplies.
The old factory was purchased by a private entrepreneur who later sold it to the shire council, before Mr Lee bought last year.
There will be live entertainment with a full band and other entertainers, plenty of food and drinks with dress being smart casual.
Healy and Caton are both expected to make interesting speeches.
Tickets are available at Callide Dawson Insurance in Kariboe Street.
