Sunbury faces the challenges of uniting the old and the new

Sunbury: A Town Bridging Past and Future

Sunbury, a charming town northwest of Melbourne, stands at the crossroads of history and modernity. From Jacksons Hill, Mayor Jarrod Bell overlooks the transformation of Sunbury, where rolling hills and historic sites meet sprawling new developments. Once a quaint town with a population of 10,000, Sunbury has quadrupled to 40,000 residents, with projections suggesting it will reach 100,000 by 2040. This growth underscores the town’s evolution from a rural retreat to a bustling suburb, grappling with retaining its unique character amid rapid urbanization.

"Old" Sunbury: A Rich Historical Tapestry

Sunbury’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Indigenous roots, as the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people once called Jacksons Creek home. European settlers arrived in 1836, establishing it as one of Victoria’s earliest settlements. The town’s heritage is evident in its broad, oak-lined streets and bluestone architecture, remnants of a bygone era. Historically significant sites like Rupertswood Mansion, known for the Ashes’ origin, and the Goona Warra vineyards highlight Sunbury’s diverse past. These landmarks serve as a bridge connecting its colonial history to contemporary life.

"New" Sunbury: Navigating Identity Amid Growth

As Sunbury expands, its identity fluctuates between suburban Melbourne and regional town. The absorption into Hume City Council in the 1990s sparked debate about its administrative place. Residents like Graham Williams feel neglected, contrasting Sunbury’s amenities with those in neighboring Craigieburn. Despite efforts to secede, economic feasibility and political shifts have kept Sunbury within Hume. This identity crisis reflects broader tensions between preserving heritage and embracing urban growth, as Sunbury’s postcodes now encompass 132 square kilometers, including multiple housing estates and schools.

A Tale of Two Sunburys: Old and New

Jarrod Bell and Graham Williams personify Sunbury’s dual identity—Bell, the Labor mayor, striving to merge old and new, and Williams, a Liberal advocate for secession. New estates like Redstone offer young families a rural-urban compromise, with spacious homes replacing inner-city apartments. Yet, infrastructural gaps persist, as newer areas lack sewerage and transport links. These estates symbolize the trade-off between modern convenience and the charm of older, expansive properties, revealing the challenges of integrating growth with heritage.

Economic Landscapes and Community Vibes

Sunbury’s economy, historically reliant on agriculture and manufacturing, now hinges on Tullamarine Airport’s 20,000 jobs, crucial for its dormitory community. The town’s shopping precincts reflect growing diversity, with shops offering Vietnamese cuisine and artisanal coffee. Plans for an arts precinct in the heritage-listed asylum building aim to inject cultural vibrancy, mirroring destinations like Daylesford. These efforts highlight Sunbury’s aspiration to blend history with modern culture, fostering a unique identity.

Preserving Heritage, Embracing Growth

As Sunbury evolves, the balance between old and new remains vital. bell emphasizes the need to protect the town’s heart while accommodating growth, as seen in plans for an arts hub and concerns over a new shopping mall. The airport’s influence and debate over a night curfew illustrate the town’s economic realities. Sunbury’s story is one of resilience and adaptation, aiming to preserve its essence while embracing the future. This duality ensures Sunbury remains a place where history and progress coexist, offering a unique lifestyle that honors its past.