Tulkeroo & Butter Factory at Albion Park

We receive many questions from the local community wanting to know more about the old buildings in Shellharbour, so we aim to include more information in our posts on some of the most recognised historic buildings in the area. This week we feature 'Tulkeroo'.

‘Tulkeroo’ homestead was built as a manager's residence for the first Albion Park Butter Factory. John Fraser was the first manager and the factory opened c.1885 as a cooperative effort by local farmers.

All that remains of the original butter factory, next to the homestead, is a small wooden structure used as a garage. A meeting was held in regards to the establishment of a Butter Factory at Bendon’s Hotel in Albion Park on July 31st 1884 with Mayor Armstrong in the chair. A six-acre site beside the Macquarie River near the crossing to North Macquarie and Calderwood was secured for 300 pounds and 425 shares were taken up.  The Albion Park Dairy Factory began operations on Tuesday, November 10, 1885.

The building was designed and erected by DL Waugh, and had six cream separators driven by a 16-horsepower steam engine. It was central to suppliers in Albion Park, Calderwwod, Marshall Mount and South Dapto.