Maleny Blacksmiths Ring True Blue

Nestled in the scenic hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, the Maleny community is well known for its rolling green hills, creative spirit and strong community ties. At the local Men’s Shed, that spirit is alive and well - particularly in the glow of the blacksmith’s forge, where an important piece of Australian bush heritage continues to ring true.

For years, members of the Maleny Men’s Shed have been keeping the tradition of bell-making alive. Their blacksmithing group was fortunate to receive a remarkable gift: the tools and equipment of A.H. Ormand, believed to be the last professional bellmaker in Australia. Today, these historic tools are carefully maintained and used by the Shed’s blacksmiths, who value both the craftsmanship and the legacy they represent.

The bells made in Maleny trace their roots back to a much earlier chapter of Australian history. In 1868, bellmaker Samuel Jones began producing the famous Condamine bells in southwest Queensland. These distinctive horse and cattle bells quickly became indispensable to early settlers, bullock teamsters and drovers navigating the vast, unfenced landscapes of colonial Australia.

Known as the Condamine Bullfrog Bell, Jones’ design earned a legendary reputation across the bush. In an era before fenced properties, established stock routes and motorised transport, the sound of these bells helped stockmen keep track of animals across wide country. Their importance to early rural life was later formally recognised when the Condamine Bell was named one of twelve Queensland Heritage Icons by the National Trust of Queensland in 2004.

At Maleny Men’s Shed, the blacksmiths proudly carry that tradition forward. Members craft several variations of the classic Condamine and Kentucky bells, alongside their own distinctive creation — the Maleny Bell, a design that pays homage to the bells that came before it while adding a local touch.

But the forge is about far more than metal and tools. For the Shed’s blacksmiths, it is a place of camaraderie, shared learning and pride in preserving traditional skills. Members work side by side, passing on techniques and stories while shaping steel into something that echoes Australia’s pastoral past.

The sale of the handcrafted bells and their accompanying wall brackets also helps cover the group’s blacksmithing expenses, ensuring the forge can continue operating and the tradition can be passed on to future generations.

In Maleny, every strike of the hammer carries more than just sound — it carries history, heritage and the enduring spirit of community.

BROWSE photos below