For generations the rhythm & routine of daily life in Katanning was controlled not by televisions or smartphones, but by the simple blast of the Mill whistle. For countless thousands of Mill workers, it marked the start and end of the working day and signalled any breaks in between.
Katanning also benefited from the whistle as it provided a much-needed service of standardising time across the community. Many watches and clocks were set to its schedule and even remote farmers could rely on the powerful blast to carry for miles. Any changes led to letters of complaint making their way in to the local newspaper with accusations of domestic arrangements thrown into disarray.
The whistle’s importance went beyond just providing a daily routine and it was often called into service for community announcements. The whistle made sure people got out of the beds for holidays as well as for work, in particular so they didn’t miss the train for ‘Katanning Days at Albany”. Workers were assisted with an annual beach holiday through discounted travel & accommodation, and a few blasts of the whistle.