Physical description

Sir George Frederic Verdon (1834-1896) emigrated to Melbourne in 1851, aged 17, and obtained a position in the office of Grice Sumner and Company, a mercantile business in Flinders Street, Melbourne. He then went into business in Williamstown and began his public career as a member of the inaugural local municipal council in 1856. The same year, he was also elected to the committee to establish the first Mechanics Institute in Williamstown.

In 1859, he was elected to the legislative assembly for Williamstown and became Treasurer in November 1860. He resigned in November 1861 but was reappointed Treasurer in June 1863 under the McCulloch ministry, which lasted until May 1868.

During the parliamentary recess of 1866, Verdon journeyed to England to advocate for the defenses of Victoria before the British authorities. His efforts were fruitful, securing £100,000 toward the construction of the warship HMS Cerberus, while the HMS Nelson was allocated to Victoria as a training vessel.

Upon his return, he suggested that the colony establish a representative in London, which ultimately led to the creation of the Agent-General of Victoria office in 1868; Verdon was appointed as its first incumbent for a term of four years.

His interests spanned science, art, and literature. In his youth, he served as an honorary assistant at the Melbourne Observatory under Robert Ellery, the Government Astronomer and fellow resident of Williamstown. An avid collector of art, he became a Trustee of the Public Library, Museums, and National Gallery of Victoria in 1872, then going on to be elected Vice-President in 1880, and President in 1883. In 1872, he was honoured with the title of Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George for his invaluable contributions to the political, scientific, artistic, and educational progress of the early colony.

Verdon street Williamstown was named in his honour.

source: www.williamstownhistsoc.org.au