Centenary … Sunshine Historical Society member John Willaton enjoys the beauty of Sunshine’s oldest garden. 37553Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Belinda Nolan
THE name of Sunshine’s founding father will be forever remembered in the gardens he left behind.
Hugh Victor McKay was a wealthy industrialist who established the famous Harvester factory in the early 1900s, providing stable employment to thousands of workers over the years.
But his contribution to the community didn’t end there. In 1909 he set up a garden in Anderson Rd to beautify the city and provide his employees with a gathering place to hold outings and picnics and soak up the sun on their days off.
The site still stands today and is one of the only surviving industrial gardens in Australia.
Sunshine Historical Society member John Willaton said McKay felt that everyone was entitled to a garden.
“In those days most people either walked or rode to work and many passed through the gardens as a shortcut on their way to the factory,” he said.
“It quickly became an integral part of Sunshine society and has continued to be for 100 years.”
In its heyday, the garden featured a rose garden, hothouse and band rotunda but many of the buildings have since been demolished. McKay employed six gardeners to maintain the garden, which was gifted to the people of Sunshine in 1953.
It has been recognised not only as one of Brimbank’s greatest treasures, but a site of national significance and has been listed on the National heritage register for its importance in Australian history.
To celebrate its centenary, the Sunshine Historical Society and Friends of the H.V.McKay Gardens have joined the council to hold an open day in November.
The celebrations will mark the start of restoration works, which will include footpath works and the planting of trees and shrubs.
The day will include performances by the Sunshine Community Brass Band and the Williamstown RSL Pipe Band, a photo display and documentary screening. The event will be held on Sunday 29 November and will run from 12pm to 4pm.
