Embracing a huge restoration project means there’s always something new to keep you out of trouble. In the case of Nhill Silo, large-scale maintenance works are now underway.

Computer-aided design (CAD) drawings have been produced of the entire silo complex, including plans for stairs to the tunnels. In the longer term, these will be sent to engineers to quote for repairs; in the shorter term, they will be used to begin applying for grants.

It’s very exciting to have detailed drawings of the structure, allowing us to get different perspectives of its scale and structure. They will be very useful moving forward.

The committee is currently working on refurbishing the front facade. Local builder Daryl Leyonhjelm is leading the charge and members of the public should expect to see some new fascia boards going up soon once the new paint colour has been decided.

The search is underway for two 6.5-metre-tall replacement posts for Fry Hall, which is the main bagging area at the front of the complex. The committee is also tracking down some fresh timber for the frame at the front of the building to repair white ant damage.

The team also recently purchased an old bag elevator, similar to what was used to create the large bag stacks in the historical photos. It’s currently parked at the front of the site at 9 Davis Avenue, surrounded by traffic cones, if you want to stop by and have a look.

Members have been getting a sneak peek into the inner goings-on with the launch of the new newsletter. If you’re curious about what’s going on, it only costs $30 annually to be a member, and you can be added to the list. Emails come out on the last Monday of the month.

This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 19 April 2023.