Historical information

On 15 January 2024, the Executive Director made a recommendation (‘the Recommendation’) to the Heritage Council, pursuant to Part 3, Division 3 of the Heritage Act 2017 (‘the Act’), that the Former Sunshine Technical College, at 111 and 129–133 Derby Road, Sunshine (‘the Place’), is not of State-level cultural heritage significance and should not be included in the Victorian Heritage Register (‘the Heritage Register’), pursuant to section 49(1)(b) of the Act.

An appeal was made by seven submissions.
• Albion and Ardeer Community Club (Neil Head), who did not support the Recommendation and requested that a hearing be held
• Sunshine and Districts Historical Society (John Pardy), who did not support the Recommendation and wished to participate in any hearing
• Sunshine and Districts Historical Society (Olwen Ford), who did not support the Recommendation and requested that a hearing be held
• Harwood Andrews Lawyers, on behalf of the Brimbank City Council, who did not support the Recommendation and requested that a hearing be held
• Royal Historical Society of Victoria, who did not support the Recommendation and wished to participate in any hearing
• Lesley Preston, who did not support the Recommendation and wished to participate in any hearing.

After considering the Executive Director’s recommendation and all submissions received, and after conducting a hearing, the Heritage Council has determined, pursuant to section 49(1)(a) of the Heritage Act 2017, that the Former Sunshine Technical College located at 111 and 129–133 Derby Road, Sunshine, Brimbank City is of State-level cultural heritage significance and is to be included in the Victorian Heritage Register in the category of Registered Place. The Heritage Council has determined to include as the extent of registration the area that was the subject of a nomination accepted by the Executive Director, and has determined, pursuant to section 49(3) of the Heritage Act 2017, to include categories of works or activities which may be carried out in relation to the place, for which a permit is not required (permit exemptions).

Significance

The significance of this successful appeal was a major win for local heritage advocates (including the Sunshine & District Historical Society, RHSV, and Brimbank Council), who argued that the school’s story is inseparable from Sunshine’s identity.

As the site had been under threat, with earlier proposals to demolish the buildings, this determination now gives the site strong legal protection. Developers and government agencies must now work within the heritage permit system, ensuring conservation of key buildings.

Physical description

Digital PDF File

Inscriptions & markings

Heritage Council Victoria
Heritage Council Regulatory Committee
Former Sunshine Technical College (H2458)
111 and 129–133 Derby Road, Sunshine, Brimbank City, Wurundjeri Country
Hearing – 21 and 22 October 2024
Members – Dr Ursula de Jong (Chair), Ms Anna Foley, Dr Janine Major