Hume City Civic Collection Sunbury, Victoria

The Hume Civic Collection comprises artworks, photographs, objects and records related to the broad history and culture of the Hume region. Within this, the George Evans Collection is a significant holding of over 5500 objects and photographs, representing the rich social heritage of Sunbury.
Contact Information
Opening Hours
By appointment only.
Entry Fee
Free entry.
Location
40 Macedon Street Sunbury Victoria
View on Google Maps5729 items
5729 items
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
Unmounted sepia photograph.Two men fishing on a creek bank with tree on each side and a hill in the background.
Historical information
This photo came from an album of photos associated with the Grant family of Bulla. The album was in poor condition and so the photos were removed from it for archival storage. They were numbered in the order they appeareed in the album.Most of the photos were of the creek area in Bulla; a few contained figures.Only one was inscribed as follows: " HB Grant/Craigellackie/Bulla".(0713).Inscriptions is in lead pencil on the back.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A large black and white laminated photograph of an autographed flag.
Historical information
This item is a laminated photograph of a WW2 army flag. it is a Union Jack overprinted with signatures of men who served with the 2/21st Battalion in the AIF.
Inscriptions & Markings
On tape on the back: H.L BECKWITH/ 92 PASLEY STREET/SUNBURY/3429

Rupertswood Battery Collection
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
One boys green tee shirt (size 18)
Historical information
This is a green tee Shirt with a printed emblem of the Horse Artillery on the front. Tony Menhennitt had been involved with the Battery for 34 years and was Commanding Officer when the Battery disbanded in 2011
Inscriptions & Markings
Battery of Horse Artillery/ Rupertswood/ Cerantes in Vita

Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A black and white photograph of a farm outbuilding. it is a weatherboard structure with a galvanised pitched roof. A trellis structure under the gable area provided light and air for thr interior of the building.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A coloured photograph of a pile of garden cuttings being set alight on the street verge at the Evans and Timins Street intersection. A fire truck is parked in Timins Street and CFA volunteers are standing in Evans Street.
Historical information
The Evans Street Grasslands are situated on former railway land and contain many unique varieties of Australian Wildflowers and native grasses as well as insects, birds and animals.| Each year selected sections of the grasslands are burnt during the Autumn with the Sunbury CFA supervising the controlled burning of the area.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A black and white photo of Gwenneth Mary Rhodes, a World War 2 servicewoman.Photograph mounted on white board with biographical details printed below the photograph
Historical information
The photo is one of a series of images which was compiled by previous Jeff Cossum for a special exhibition featuring the servicemen and women from Sunbury who fought in World War 2. Lance Corporal Gwenneth Mary Rhodes was the sister of Grace Winifred, John Orley, Frank Walton, Alan Joseph and Phillip Albany Rhodes. She enlisted in 1943.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
Seven members of the Rupertswood Battery are seated and standing around Irene Evans who is sitting on the keel of the 'Enterprize'.
Historical information
The series of 15 photographs were taken to bless the laying of the keel of the schooner 'Enterprize' on the 29th August, 1991. George Evans, who settled at Emu Bottom in Sunbury, travelled from Tasmania to Melbourne in the 'Enterprize' in 1834. The event took place at South Wharf in Melbourne. The Rupertswood Battery were present and Irene Evans was a member of the official party.
Scarf
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A grey triangular scarf with an embroidered green and grey badge featuring an axe imbedded in a log of wood sewn into the peak of the scarf.
Historical information
The plain grey scarf with th badge featuring an axe imbedded in a log of wood was worn by Scouts and Guides while they were doing their wood badge course. This particular scarf was worn by William Houston when doing course.

Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A black and white photograph of the Woodlands Homestead and the surrounding garden. The homestead has a simple corrugated iron roofsupported by stone and brick pillars. Part of the house has a wide return verandahacross the front of the building.
Historical information
Woodlands Homesteqad was built in 1843. It is one of the earliest surviving prefabricated buildings on the State Register of Historic Buildings. The stables, outbuildings and a small cottage are also part of the historic complex.

Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A black and white photograph of a soldier in World War I sent to Una from Doc on 22 April 1916.
Historical information
A photo of a WW1 soldier sent to Una from Doc. on 22.04.1916
Inscriptions & Markings
on back written in ink: top LH side: Una / with best wished / from Doc / 22-4-1916

Lolly tin - Strepsils 24 Antiseptic Throat Lozenges
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A small tin with a lid which contained 24 antiseptic throat lozenges. The tin is green on the outside with the word 'Strepsils' written in white on the front and back side. Directiona and dosages are printed in green on a white background on the underside. The lid is edged in green with green lettering on a white background and white lettering on a red background.
Historical information
Strepsils Throat Lozenges are taken to relieve sore throats. When they first came onto the market they were sold in tins and only available in one flavour. Today they are packaged flavours.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A coloured photograph of two men dressed in suits chatting to each other in a building.
Historical information
The Premier of Victoria the Hon. Rupert Hamer and the state member for Gisborne the Hon.Tom Reynolds attended the opening of the Sunbury Leisure Centre in Elizabeth Drive on 25 February 1981.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A photographer is in the foreground and is standing to the side of his camera which is on a stand. 5 members of the Rupertswood Battery are talking to another photographer with official party members seated in the background.
Historical information
The series of 15 photographs were taken to bless the laying of the keel of the schooner 'Enterprize' on the 29th August, 1991. George Evans, who settled at Emu Bottom in Sunbury, travelled from Tasmania to Melbourne in the 'Enterprize' in 1834. The event took place at South Wharf in Melbourne. The Rupertswood Battery were present and Irene Evans was a member of the official party.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A coloured photograph of a clump of spiders' nests photographed on an elm tree.
Historical information
The Evans Street Grasslands are situated on former railway land and contain many unique varieties of Australian Wildflowers and native grasses as well as insects, birds and animals.

Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A black and white photograph of thick snow on the ground at Emu Bottom. part of the homestead with its shingle roof is across the background and a post and rail fence is on the RHS of the photograph.
Historical information
In July 1986 snow fell across Melbourne and the suburbs. The falls were sufficiently thick for the snow to remain on the ground throughout the day.

Program - The Advance Sunbury Dog Show: Sunbury Canine Club Inc.
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A one hundred page printed booklet with a yellow front cover which has been fastened together with two staples. The printing on the front cover is in black and an advertisement for AdvanceDog food is on the back cover. The information inside details the various sections and breeds of dogs which have been entered in the dog show.
Historical information
The program was produced for the Sunbury dog show which took place on the recreation ground in Riddell Street, Sunbury on the 1 November 2016. The show is reputed to be the largest one of its kind conducted in Victoria.
Newspaper - The Sunbury News
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A copy of the Sunbury News dated Saturday 11th October 1952. 12 pages in newspaper.
Historical information
This is a copy of the Sunbury News containing a souvenir of the Back to Sunbury 1952 and the Centenary celebrations.
Inscriptions & Markings
Written in pencil top R/H corner - "Bob Gregor"

Rupertswood Battery Collection
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A large metal paper clip.
Historical information
This item a large metal paper clip would have been used to keep paper work together.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A man is opening the rear door of a Fairlane car at the airport.
Historical information
This is a photograph of the Shire Secretary John Kelly arriving at melbourne Airport on 5 march 1986 for the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A coloured photograph of a dry stone wall with a wooden fence nand water tank immediately behind the wall. Trees are growing on the other side of the dividing fence and part of the house can be seen in the background.
Historical information
The photofgraph was taken at Edward Fanning's property at Bulla. It was used for an exhibition on dry stone walls in the district.
Certificate - Registrar's Certificate for Undertaker
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A seventh schedule standard registrar's certificate for the undertaker used in the 1930s. The certificate shows the date of registering the deceased, the names of the deceased and the registrar. The burial certificate has been removed. The number 703 is written in the top RH corner in pencil. The registrar's signature is stamped at the end of the information.
Historical information
The certificate was filled in by the registrar who sent it to the undertaker. The burial certificate was attached and the undertaker detached it and sent it to the registrar after the burial. The certificate registers the death of Thomas Robert Trotman and the date of registration was 6 June 1938. It was filled in by the registrar Walter William Lang.
Inscriptions & Markings
WALTER WILLIAM LANG / THOMAS ROBERT TROTMAN / 6th day JUNE 1938 / 6th day JUNE 1938 / W.W. LANG
Memorandum - Commonwealth Military Forces of Victoria
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A handwritten memorandum of an official letterhead from the Commonwealth Military Forces of Victoria to the Shire Secretary of Bulla.
Historical information
The memorandum was sent to the Shire Secretary of Bulla from the District Paymaster of the Commonwealth Military Forces of Victoria. It was a voucher for �3.00 to cover the cost of freighting 2 guns to Sunbury in 1909. See 1143 also
Inscriptions & Markings
COMMONWEALTH MILITARY FORCES OF VICTORIA / MEMO HEADQUARTERS
Show Ribbon
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A 1921 red second prize Sunbury Horse Show ribbon - very fragile. Wording in gold lettering.
Historical information
Award ribbon given at Sunbury Horse Show.
Inscriptions & Markings
'SECOND PRIZE/SUNBURY SHOW 1921"

Bottle cream
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A small glass bottle used to distribute cream
Historical information
This object was used to distribute cream in shops during the 1950's - 1960's.
Inscriptions & Markings
on shoulder "HALF PINT...."

Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A coloured panoramic view of the Ingrams factory in Anderson Road, Sunbury. It is unmounted.
Historical information
A photograph of the Ingram factory in Anderson Road, Sunbury. Malley's Australia previously operated in this factory.

Wire Strainer
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A black painted metal wire strainer.
Historical information
This object was used on Bayview Farm, Diggers Rest by the Cullinan family. It is used to tighten wire in fence construction.
Inscriptions & Markings
"MURNANE/..."

Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A coloured photograph of land which has been measured and laid out before the start of construction.
Historical information
A piece of land running between 27 Jackson Street and 18 Vaughan Street was photographed before the construction of units on the site. The property in the background is 20 Vaughan Street. The land was owned by Ursula Lupson, wife of the late Winston Lupson.

Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A black and white photographf two sheds. A weatherboard shed with corrugated iron roof is on the LHS and the corrugated iron building is the blacksmith's forge and wheelwright's workshop. Two men are standing in fron of the large doorway. An advertisement for Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills is written across the roof and 'BLACKSMITH' is painted on the wall.
Historical information
Robert Charlton conducted a blacksmith, wheelwright and farrier business on the corner of Evans and Station Street, Sunbury from 1918 to 1940. The copy was taken from a photograph displayed in Mick Walsh's garage which is now on the above site.

Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A b/w photograph of a soldiers at ease with riding crop in right hand tucked under his arm.
Historical information
Mounted Sergeant Field Artillery c1917
Inscriptions & Markings
Printed on back: POST CARD THE ALLAN STUDIO, 313 SMITH STREET, COLLINGWOOD

Petticoat, Inmates.
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
Petticoat: Bodice white cotton sleeveless, two darts at front, fastened at back with four metal buttons. Skirt: heavy grey twill with coloured fleck. Bodice is machined, skirt hand sewn except where machined at the waist.
Historical information
The calico/flannel petticoats were standard issue up to the 1930s.

Camera
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A black concertina camera.
Historical information
This camera was owned by Mr. Hillebrand, father of former Shire of Bulla Councillor Veronica Burgess. He was a tennis coach for many years before his death.

Metal Jug
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
Tapered metal container with spout and handle used for measuring liquids.
Historical information
Thought to be used for measuring liquids in retail premises by Council Inspectors, Weights and Measures. Used by Shire of Bulla and donated by Hume City Council whem amalgmation took place.
Inscriptions & Markings
on spout "crown/16/91..."
Telegram
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A standard telegram form used until the 1940's by the Postmaster-General's Department, Victoria. The heading across the top of the page includes the following ; Telegram / Commonwealth of Australia/ Postmaster- General's Department, Victoria. It takes up 5 cm of the page. The remainder of the page is set aside for the message which is handwritten. Sunbury P.O. stamp and pencilled '4' are in the top RH corner. Other notes possibly relevant to the message have been written in pencil on the back of the form.
Historical information
The telegram was sent by O' Brien of the Liberal Party to Boardman, Editor of the Sunbury News notifying him that two advertisments for a social function had not been published in the paper. The telegram was sent from Melbourne on 21 November 1913 at 1.46 pm and received at the Sunbury Post Office at 2.28 pm. There are 15 words in the telegram.
Inscriptions & Markings
Pencilled notes on the back of the form. " Admission / Time / Friends and Supports / Secretary / P.L.P/ ? Soc So / Mr I / Monday 8 / Speak / Mr. W. Kendar MHR / Herbert Brookes President / the party / Admin Free. Ticket / obt. ? fin JH Gilchrist President / HC Gilmour Sec. /
Advertisement - The Exchange / 369 Collins Street / Melbourne
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A quarto page with an address printed across the top in black. The draft is handwritten in blue ink. "Sunbury News" is written in pencil in the top LH corner and there is a scribble line through the printed address. Two phrases have been bracketed in black. A small note printed in red has been attached to the middle of the LH side margin and both pieces of paper have been stamped with The Exchange stamp.
Historical information
The notice was sent by William Angliss to the Sunbury News. William Angliss is thanking the electors and the various committees after his election to the Southern Province of the Legislative Council in 1912.
Inscriptions & Markings
Sunbury News / 1 insertion c/- /
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
Five photos taken in sequence and joined together to form a panoramic view of the businesses in Horse Street, Sunbury taken from the railway bridge across Macedon Street. Unmounted
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A photograph of the Sunbury Emergency Services unit on parade.
Historical information
This is a photograph of the Sunbury SES unit passing the Sunbury Fiere Station in Evans Street during the parade at the 1983 Sunbury Fair.

Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A black and white photograph of a pathway to a house with a shubbery on either side. The garden has been planted out with succulents, trees and various shrubs. There is a partial view of the house in the background.
Historical information
See reference details below.

Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
This is a newspaper clipping of two soldiers seated at a table with two women. There is another three women and two males standing behind them.
Historical information
This image is of a welcome home to the men who fought in World War 1, at an afternoon tea put on by the town of Rupertswood.
Inscriptions & Markings
Written across the bottom in pencil "Dear Arthur hope this reaches you safely & / finds you in good form" Ken

Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A black and white photograph of two empty completed swimming pools. The larger pool is in the foreground and the sdmaller one is behind it. The office and kiosk are on the LHS of ther photograph. A line of conifer trees is in the background.
Historical information
In the mid 1960s work began on the construction of the long-awaited swimming pool in Sunbury. The chosen site was in Ligar Street adjacent to the saleyards and tip. The pool was opened for public use on 19 January 1966 and the official opening took place on 6 march 1966.
Inscriptions & Markings
Written on the back: PAGES/PK 1/ SUNBURY OUTDOOR POOL
Certificate - Registrar's Certificate for undertaker
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A seventh schedule standard registrar's certificate for the undertaker used in the 1930s. The certificate shows the date of registering the deceased, the names of the deceased and the registrar / the burial certificate has been removed // The number 711 is stamped in the top RH corner in pencil. The registrar's signature is stamped at the end of the information.
Historical information
The certificate was filled in by the registrar who sent it to the undertaker. The burial certificate was attached and the undertaker detached it and returned it to the registrar after the burial. The certificate registers the death ofCharles Gough and the date of registration was 16 September 1938.
Inscriptions & Markings
WALTER WILLIAM LANG / Charles Gough /16 Sep 1938 / 16 Sep 1938 / W. W. Lang / Bulla

Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A black and white close-up image taken from photograph P0492. The soldier is wearing a turned up slouch hat and has a leather holster across his chest. See also P0510.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A coloured photograph of the Jacksons Creek in flood near Macedon Street. The floodwaters have reached the pedestrian bridge. The hills behind the Nook are visible in the background.
Historical information
The series of photographs were taken after exceptional heavy rain had fallen in Sunbury in the early 1990s. The Jackson Creek overflowed its banks and the surrounding flood plain area was under water.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A coloured photograph with rounded corners of three men seated at a table at a function and one man standing up. There are lace cloths on the tables and a curtained backdrop in the background.
Historical information
The photograph was taken of four former councillors, Jack Raleigh, Herb Wileman, Stan Walls and Ken Webster at a past presidents dinner which was held in the shire offices of the former Shire of Bulla on 17 November 1976.
Certificate - Registrar's certificate for undertaker
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A seventh schedule standard registrar's certificate for the undertaker used in 1930s. The certificate gives the name, age, previous place of residence and denomination of the deceased, the grave site and date and time of burial. The burial certificate has been removed. The figure 728 has been pencilled in the top RH corner. The registrar's signature is stamped at the end of the information.
Historical information
The certificate was filled in by the registrar who sent it to the undertaker. The burial certificate was attached and the undertaker detached it and sent it to the registrar after the burial. The certificate registers the burial of Christina Purcell which took place on 2 September 1939.
Inscriptions & Markings
(On the stamp) Joseph Allison Pty Ltd / Funeral Directors / FW 4126 (2 lines) William Henry Robinson / Christina Purcell / 2 Sep 1939 / 2 Sep 1939
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A coloured photograph of a 2 storey stables with red=-brown brick walls and contrasting pale yellow brick trim on the lintels and around the building at the first floor level. The corrugated iron pitched roof has a gable with a green door on the upper level. There are 6 windows on this level. On the ground level there are two windows either side of a green door and a large garage. A metal skillion roofed addition is on one side of the building and a cyclone gate is next to the far corner of the building.
Historical information
The stables are situated north-east of the Harpsdale homestead which the pioneer Brodie family owned for 50 years. The collection of photographs of the Harpsdale Estate were taken for the inclusion in the Hume Heritage Study.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A coloured photograph of a group of people standing around in a gallery. Some arew chatting in groups while others are looking at the exhibits which are hung on the walls and are displayed on boards.
Historical information
The photograph was taken at the official opening of the Shire of Bulla Museum of Art and History on 12 March 1987. The space was later renamed the George Evans Museum and has been used to store and exhibit items relevant to the history of SAunbury and surrounding areas.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A black and white photograph of a group of elderly people standing in a foyer at a social gathering.
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
This is a b&w photograph during the brook street beautifiation may 1980
Historical information
This is a b& w photograph of the north and south sides of brook street looking southwest towards the intersection of brook and evans streets before the brook street beautification may 1980
Photograph
Hume City Civic Collection, Sunbury
A mounted sepia photograph of a soldier in WWI uniform and his bride. The groom is standing and the bride is seated on a stool with curved wooden sides. The photo is surrounded by an embossed cream mounting and the photographer's name is in gold script.
Historical information
It is a wedding photo of Arthur and Annie Cliff (nee Douglas)
Inscriptions & Markings
LAYFAYETE / MELBOURNE