As globalisation as taken root, numerous trades have gone offshore and are no longer produced here in Australia. The broom making trade is one that has largely headed off to Asia as well, however in the small NSW town of Tumut one of the country’s remaining broom factories continues to operate: the Tumut Broom Factory.
The Tumut Broom Factory
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The Tumut Broom Factory was established back 1946 as a co-op of local millet farmers, and in its heyday manufactured up to 500 brooms a day. These days, the broom company is operated by Geoff Wortes and Rob Richards who make around 50 brooms a day.
The History of Tumut Broom Factory
Back in the day, the Tumut region grew 75% of Australia’s millet and supplied over a dozen millet brook factories across the country. However as the production of brooms moved into Asia, the need for millet also decreased. It is a crop that needs some experience and as farmers retired, millet production also dropped. Millet is largely imported from Mexico these days.
Visiting Tumut Brook Factory
On our recent trip to Tumut, we had the great pleasure to watch Rob handcraft a broom for us from start to finish. Made from millet, these brooms are made for both indoor, outdoor or multipurpose uses.
I remember sweeping my grandfather’s porch with a millet broom as a child, however, it has been a while since I have owned a broom myself, we tend to use vacuums in homes these days. However, after visiting the Tumut Broom Factory I couldn’t help but purchase a yard broom for home. They smell incredible and are one of those items I think should be retained as a rare/old trade item. Let’s keep this trade in business.
Visting Tumut anytime soon? Make sure you check out the Tumut Broom Factory.
Location: 30 Adelong Rd, Tumut NSW 2720
Opening times: Open Monday to Friday from 9.00 am through to 5.00 pm. Closed weekends and public holidays
Website: head to tumutbroomfactory.com for more information
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Places to Visit in Rural NSW
Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool with kids | Things to do in Bathurst | Weekend Getaways from Sydney | Holidaying on Norfolk Island | Mungo National Park | Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory | Things to do in Broken Hill | Cobar with Kids | Nyngan with kids | Farm Stays near Sydney | Maitland Gaol | Wellington Caves | Cowra Japanese Gardens | Cowra POW camp | Taronga Western Plains Zoo | Bigfoot at Mount Coolangatta | Sea Cliff Bridge | Abercrombie Caves | Hill End | Scenic World Blue Mountains |