As Footscray emerged from the economic hardships of the Great Depression, it sought to revitalise its industrial landscape. One of the most prominent and enduring symbols of this era was the Creamoata Mills operated by Fleming and Co.
Established in the 1930s, the Creamoata Mills played a pivotal role in Footscray’s industrial growth. The company’s large-scale production of oat-based products, particularly the iconic Creamoata cereal, provided employment opportunities for countless locals and contributed significantly to the district’s economic prosperity.
During World War II, the demand for dry food products surged, and the Creamoata Mills worked tirelessly to meet the increased production requirements. To accommodate the growing demand, the company expanded its facilities, including the construction of towering silos in the 1950s that became a familiar sight on the West Footscray skyline.
The silos also served as a unique advertising platform for Creamoata. The company’s distinctive logo was prominently displayed on the side of the silos, a testament to the brand’s popularity and the ingenuity of its marketing strategy. Today, although recently remastered with graffiti, the towers sit as a historic reminder of the company’s legacy and a valuable piece of Footscray’s industrial heritage.
While idle today, these iconic towering silos, featuring the 130-year-old Uncle Toby’s logo, proudly heralds to the hearty oats made once upon a time in the inner west!
