Ongoing restoration and community use of the historic Buchan Butter Factory remained a key focus for volunteers throughout 2025, according to the latest annual report from Buchan Heritage.
Work continued on the ageing building using funds from an East Gippsland Shire grant, with priority given to addressing roof leaks. Repairs to flashings and windows last year resolved most issues, however water has continued to seep down some internal walls. Further testing revealed cracks in the parapet wall as a source of the problem, with some sealing work already undertaken. While improvements have been made, additional repairs are still required to fully resolve the issue.
Despite the ongoing challenges typical of maintaining an older structure, the report noted that no water is entering the main body of the building. Remaining grant funds were fully spent in 2025, including the installation of a fence between the Butter Factory and neighbouring properties.
Additional funding support was secured through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, with the Buchan Gelantipy Renewal Association successfully obtaining an $8250 grant on behalf of the group. The funding has allowed for removal of tree stumps and initial landscaping works around the site, with final clean-up still to be completed.
Community events and fundraising continued to play an important role in supporting the organisation. A planned East Gippsland Winter Festival event in July had to be relocated from the Butter Factory to the recreation pavilion due to flooding of the Buchan River. The group also provided catering for several functions during the year, including a funeral and a community movie night, and received a donation from the Bairnsdale Team Penning group.
The town hosted the Australian Karst Management Association conference during the year, bringing more than 100 visitors to Buchan. Volunteers supported the event by hosting a barbecue dinner alongside a makers’ market and photographic exhibition, which proved a successful fundraiser.
Following the success of last year’s makers’ market, another is scheduled for Melbourne Cup weekend, with local volunteers again coordinating the event.
Looking ahead, planning is underway for a new discovery trail linking the swing bridge and the Bluff. The project, a collaboration between several local groups, will include interpretive signage focusing on Buchan’s history and megafauna. The proposed trail will pass near the Butter Factory, potentially increasing its role as a focal point for visitors. A grant has also been secured by the Jane Davidson Trust to construct public toilets nearby, which will assist with hosting future events.
Buchan Heritage president Danny Mitton thanked volunteers and supporters for their ongoing efforts throughout the year, noting that the organisation relies heavily on community involvement to keep projects moving forward.
