Heyfield mill: Town on edge as timber mill jobs in limbo

THE town of Heyfield fears the future as the fate of workers at Australia’s largest sawmiller remains unknown.

Cafe 3858 proprietors Zac Stamos and partner Jamie Riley. Picture: Andrew Batsch

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THE town of Heyfield fears the future as the fate of workers at Australia’s largest sawmiller remains unknown.

But the reoccurring question the community asks is: Where is our Premier?

“Daniel Andrews needs to come to Heyfield and see the fear in our eyes,” said Zac Stamos, Owner of Cafe 3858.

“There is more to Victoria than just Melbourne, and Heyfield is in crisis mode.”

The Sellings family is dreading the worst.

Julie Sellings has worked in a HR and payroll position at the mill for 13 years.

“Everyone is living in limbo ... our biggest fear is that the mill closes. What is the town supposed to do then?” Ms Sellings asked.

The Sellings family: son Hayden, mum Julie and husband Tony at the Heyfield mill. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Her son, Hayden, 21, is unemployed and has struggled to find work in Heyfield. “It’s hard enough as it is to find a job, let alone when all the staff at the mill lose theirs and there will be competition,” he said.

“The mill is a big provider for jobs and if it shuts, it will force us younger ones out of the town.”

Dad Tony Sellings works at the local hardware store and fears he will lose his job.

“Since this whole thing has been announced, people have stopped coming in to buy products,” he said. “The decision on whether the mill closes will not only affect the workers but it will have a huge ripple effect on the whole town.”

Heyfield Bakery staff Laura Henderson, Sam Boyce and owner Sue Stephens. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Heyfield Bakery owner Sue Stephens also fears for her staff and the town.

“It’s not just the loss of jobs but it’s the loss of dignity. There will be no growth for the younger generation and it will force them to leave the town,” she said. “If business isn’t as usual, I’ll be forced to downsize.”

Ms Stephens asked Premier Andrews when he was going to start “caring about people’s livelihoods”.