SUNBURY
Sunbury is a fast growing satellite
‘city’ just north of Melbourne. Sunbury came to life with the
Tullamarine Airport construction in the early 70’s. Sunbury, while
being dominated with all of the big retail brands and shopping centres,
the ‘town’ factor remains intact.
The ‘village green’
will
be a high point for any visitor.
A tiny bit of heritage exists.   
Sunbury was
first settled in 1836, by George Evans and William Jackson. It was
Jackson and his brother, Samuel, who named the township Sunbury, after
Sunbury-on-Thames, when it was established in 1857
Sunbury's
connection with the history and development of Victoria is influential
because of its most famous and powerful citizen, "Big" Clarke.
Clarke's role as one of the biggest squatters in the colony and his
power and position within the Victorian Legislative Council were
critical in the early days of Victoria. "Big" Clarke as a member of
the Victorian 'bunyip aristocracy' also frustrated any legislative
reforms to opening the lands to small farm selections. Melbourne
Punch depicted Clarke in anti-squatter cartoons, such as "The man
in Possession" In 1859, "Big" The Clarke's also had a connection to
the Kelly Gang story via their police connection with Supt Hare.
The Sunbury War Memorial is located at
the northern end of the village green. There are a number of aspects
to the memorial.    
The tribute to famous and successful
cricketers is nice.  
The Congregational Churches are all
represented in Sunbury. The Anglican with village green backdrop is
quite a nice and old building.
The Catholic
likewise is an old building. The United is also quite historic. 
There are only three remaining ‘down
town’ hotels. 
The ‘original’ Railway Hotel being over a100 years old.
The Sunbury Museum is a dedication by
a famous Sunbury enthusiast.
If Sunbury was not visited the
traveler will not have missed too much. But that said it is a pleasure
to note the survival of that village green._small.JPG)   
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