Some buildings have a story to tell and Gloucester beef farmer, Robert Mackenzie is passionate about ensuring they get told.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
When he comes across an old structure he can't help but get excited about bringing it back to life.
He's the fourth generation owner of the family business, Macka's Australian Black Angus Beef, which started buying rural properties in the Gloucester region about 10 years ago.
Across the four properties Macka's use in the region for its cattle production, five structures have been restored with future plans to do up more.
Closest to town lies Skibo Downs, where the old six stand milking shed has been refurbished complete with an old-style grain silo and a novelty bus stop sign.
According to Robert, the structure was dilapidated before the restoration began but it was important to him to bring it back to life.
Although it won't be used for milking, as the property is now being used for beef production, walking around the grounds makes him a little nostalgic.
"When I was a kid, I used to milk two cows day and night. I used to sell the milk down the street for 50 cents a litre," Robert said.
The main house on the property has also been refurbished.
Having spent his whole life on a farm with a family history of beef production dating back to 1884, it's just part of his nature to want to keep the stories of yesteryear alive.
"It's our obligation to restore it," he said.
"It tells a story.
"People like to see it. Kids can learn from it."
Earlier in the year, he's restored the old milk depot at the roadside on the property at Berrico.
"Everyone on Berrico River Road would bring their milk here for collection," Robert said.
The refurbished little building is now being used as a central mailbox for the residents on the same road.
Above the depot, the Berrico cottage has also been given a new lease on life.
"We rebuilt it. It was unlivable," he explained.
Another project was the refurbishment of the 100-year-old house at the Woko Station property, along with the old cattle yards.
"Someone has built it.
"A family lived and laughed in those houses," Robert said.
"If we have the ability to do it, we should. It's about giving back."
Robert's next plan is to tackle the restoration of the dairy at the Barrington property.
It's all part of his plan to help keep the history of the Gloucester region thriving.
If these little gems one day find there way onto a tourist map that draws people into to the area on a quest to spot them, he's okay with that.
He's not doing it for the accolades, more so just to give a little back a community that he and his father, Bruce are really fond of.
Thank you for valuing local journalism with your subscription. While you're with us, you can also receive updates straight to your inbox from the Great Lakes Advocate. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.