By Christina Browning
In the heart of Sunshine, amidst the urban hustle and bustle, lies a tranquil oasis with a rich history: the H.V. McKay Memorial Gardens. These meticulously maintained gardens stand as a testament to the visionary industrialist and entrepreneur Hugh Victor McKay, whose Sunshine Harvester Works revolutionised farming and helped shape the suburb’s identity.
In a fascinating interview for Storytowns, (a series of geo-located podcasts, offering a new way to explore Melbourne by train) Alan Dash from the Sunshine and District Historical Society recounts that McKay left an indelible mark on the landscape of Sunshine. In 1906, he established the Sunshine Harvester Works, a legacy that transformed the area into a bustling hub of industry.
At its peak, the factory employed over 3,000 people and became the largest industrial complex in the southern hemisphere, producing harvesters that revolutionised farming across Australia, and were sold across the world, even reaching the Tsar of Russia!
McKay’s legacy extended far beyond manufacturing. He envisioned Sunshine as a ‘garden city,’ fostering a strong sense of community and providing workers with amenities like housing, schools, and recreational facilities. There was a village for workers next to the factory garden, similar to the original Cadbury factory in Birmingham, UK. This vision led to the suburb of Braybrook Junction being renamed Sunshine.
The impact of the Sunshine Harvester Works was profound not just for Melbourne’s west, but helped shape the cultural, social, and political landscape of Australia. Fascinatingly, the Sunshine Harvester Works played a pivotal role in Australian industrial relations history. In 1907, a dispute between McKay and his workers led to the landmark Harvester Judgement, which established the concept of a minimum living wage for Australian workers.
Over time, the factory attracted a diverse workforce, including post WW2 migrants, who brought a wonderful mix of cultures and traditions to Sunshine. This influx of new residents who worked at Sunshine Harvester Works and other factories in the area created a vibrant and multicultural community that continues to thrive today.
In the 1950s, the McKay family business was sold to the newly-formed agricultural implement conglomerate Massey Ferguson, a combination of the Canadian and American interests of Massey Harris, and the British tractor firm of Harry Ferguson. However, from the 1970s, when many Australian-based manufacturing industries were experiencing financial difficulties, the business progressively contracted. Most of the factory was demolished in 1992 to make way for the development of the Sunshine Marketplace. Thankfully, remnants of its rich history remain. The former bulk store, factory gates and clock tower, factory gardens, and head office complex are all listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
The legacy of the Sunshine Harvester Works is preserved today in the H.V. McKay Memorial Gardens, a beautiful heritage-listed garden that offers a glimpse into the suburb’s industrial past. Originally a private garden for factory workers, these meticulously maintained gardens stand as the earliest example of an industrial garden in Victoria. Visitors can explore the ‘South Walk’ area, stroll along the ‘straight six’ pathways (where workers used to race their horses!), and learn about Sunshine’s history with informative signs along the way.
Sunshine’s industrial spirit is celebrated by the super-sized sculpture, ‘Man Lifting Cow,’ cast in a local factory by internationally renowned artist John Kelly, whose works are also featured in Paris, The Hague, Glastonbury, and Monte Carlo. This monumental bronze sculpture stands proudly in central Sunshine on Hampshire Road.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of Sunshine’s captivating history, the Friends of the H.V. McKay Gardens and the Sunshine and District Historical Society offer valuable resources and insights.
Foodie tips: A visit to the gardens provides a unique opportunity to explore Australia’s industrial heritage before walking over to one of Sunshine’s many restaurants, representing a melting pot of different cuisines, all within walking distance from H.V McKay Gardens. Enjoy delicious Nepalese food at Tikune Momo & Sekuwa House, or indulge in the sweet flavours of Thailand at Homm Dessert. For those seeking savoury dishes, Salamatea offers authentic Persian cuisine, while Thuan An and NNB Dessert House showcase the best of Vietnamese food and desserts. Afghan Shaheen serves up traditional Afghan fare, and Gojo Café and Restaurant offers a taste of Ethiopia. And for those who appreciate a well-stocked deli, Gaskos House of Fresh is a must-visit.
Christina Browning is employed by Western Melbourne Tourism
www.melbourneswest.com.au
@love_the_west
