By Natalie Gallenti
HISTORY buffs enjoyed the sites and sounds of Brimbank last week when they took part in a heritage tour organised by the council as part of the city’s 150th celebrations.
Sunshine icons Don Webster and John Willaton took residents on a journey through Deer Park, Sunshine, Ardeer, Braybrook and Maribyrnong, uncovering historic landmarks like the Hunt Club, the HV McKay building in Sunshine, the Braybrook Hotel.
The group heard how about the changes the city had undergone in the last century, beginning as a predominantly rural township to now a thriving urban landscape.
Mr Willaton, member of the Sunshine Historical Society, called on residents to get more involved in the community.
“It’s extremely important that the public has more interest in where they live,” Mr Willaton said.
Originally from Albion, Mr Willaton said when he was a young boy there was a certain comraderie within the community that had since declined.
“It’s not the same now. Everyone knew each other before. People used to work and live in Sunshine.
“Now they catch the train into the city and get home late.”
Deer Park resident Maria Ramos said the tour had given her a different outlook of the city she had lived in for 37 years.
“The tour has taught me a lot about the area,” Ms Ramos said.
“I enjoy knowing how people lived and how the area has come from nothing to building a huge city.”
