History:

Ballarat Ice Works
1883 -

Before large-scale meat processing and freezing works were established, Ballarat's early refrigeration focused on ice production.
Mr. Max Richter built plant on the corner of Yuille and Mair streets, Ballarat.
He operated Ballarat Ice Works until early 1886, advertised selling "pure crystal ice"
1886, He sold the business to Mr. Thomas Jenkins, and relocated to Sandhurst (now Bendigo)
1886 February 8th
Tragic ammonia gas explosion destroyed the factory, and two fatalities.( Gustav Hang, 25, Jacob Buller (or Boller), 15, The proprietor Thomas Jenkins, who just the eprevious week taken over from former owner, Mr. Max Richter, also suffered a severe head injury, but survived the blast.
Details of the Incident
The factory used a system known as "direct-heating," Ammonia gas was generated by heating concentrated solution of ammonia.
Apparently, young Jacob accidentally super-heated the ammonia cylinder, this buildup of pressure. caused the cylinder to explode at approximately 4:00 AM
The factory building was completely reduced to a mass of broken timber and shattered brickwork, throwing debris into surrounding residential structures.

Ballarat Co-operative Freezing Works
1928 -

Location:
Plant was located on Learmonth Road in Alfredton, Ballarat, Victoria.
to facilitate the transport of livestock and processed goods, on the railway loop next to local cattle yards
First opened in late September 1928, began operations and killing its first stock in the first week of October 1928.
Operating on a highly seasonal basis (peaking during the "killing season" between August and January), the works primarily processed lambs and sheep for both local consumption and global export.
Later Operations: The works were later reorganized and associated with entities like the

Ballarat Amalgamated Freezing Works
1930 -

Reached processed 160,000 lambs in a single season.

Victorian Inland Meat Authority
1943 -

Taken over by the Victorian Inland Meat Authority (VIMA) in 1943.

Victorian Inland Meat Authority
1951 - 1972

Underwent major modernization to upgrade its chilling chambers and processing capabilities, eventually growing to employ roughly 300 people by 1972.