Community & Business
26 January, 2026
Woolshed farewells long serving historian
Eighty-nine-years-old John Eggleston who has told the story of Jondaryan Woolshed to generations of families has been farewelled by volunteers at a surprise party after his decision to leave the district.
John Eggleston was one of the founding directors of the Jondaryan Woolshed in 1973 when it was opened to the public.
He was sent off in style by Woolshed volunteers at the Woolshed Cafe earlier this month at a surprise party where he reminded all and sundry that the Jondaryan Woolshed was “the only shearing shed of its calibre still standing in the world.”
“Building started in 1859 and finished in 1861, built from ironbark with nails made on site,” he continued.
John recounted the ambitious vision of owner William Kent: “Up to that time, the biggest shed was a 10-stand... Kent proved them wrong by building the 52-stand woolshed that still stands today.
“With this Woolshed, we are talking about the beginning of the sheep industry in Australia.
“At its peak in the 1880s, the station covered an incredible 121,400 hectares, with 250,000 Merinos.”
Friends of the Jondaryan Woolshed Christine Buckley said that the surprise party was very well attended, by dignitaries including former Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio.
“The Woolshed was John’s life,” Ms Buckley said.
“I can’t think of the Woolshed without picturing him there.
“Ever since going out there as a young cook in the 1990s, John’s been there at every function.”
The Friends President said John would leave a long lasting legacy in his beautiful cafe gardens.
“He kept everything vital and alive there,” she said.
Current Mayor Geoff McDonald, in attendance, praised John for his commitment to the Woolshed.
“Before his move to the Sunshine Coast to be with family, it was a pleasure to spend time sitting and listening to John share important history of the place he clearly loves and will dearly miss,” Mayor McDonald said.
“Thank you John for your vital role in preserving the history of the Jondaryan Woolshed for generations to come!”
