Hume council will look at ways to commemorate the 150th anniversary of cricket’s first test match to recognise Sunbury’s role as the birthplace of The Ashes.
In March 2027, Cricket Australia will mark the anniversary of the first test match with a commemorative day-night test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground between England and Australia.
Sunbury’s role in The Ashes dates back to 1882, five years after the first Test Match in which England was defeated by Australia at a game in England.
A satirical obituary declared that English cricket had died, and “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia”.
It was during the subsequent English tour when the team visited Rupertswood Estate in Sunbury, that Lady Clarke presented the English captain with a small urn to contain the symbolic ashes of English cricket.
Mayor Jarrod Bell said when raising his notice of motion at the 27 October council meeting that this was a unique opportunity to honour Sunbury and Hume’s history.
“While 2027 marks 150 years of test cricket, it will also mark 145 years since the death of cricket and the birth of the ashes, a story that began in our own backyard,” he said.
Cr Bell said this milestone needed to be commemorated in the municipality.
“We’ve done it before. In 1982, the former Shire of Bulla marked the centenary of the ashes with reenactments, exhibitions, and community events that drew national attention and drew deep local pride,” he said.
Council officers will now develop a program of activities for consideration by council, as part of the 2026/27 budget process.
Activities would be conducted in partnership with local cricket clubs, schools, particularly Salesian College where Rupertswood Mansion is located, community groups and other stakeholders.
Cr Bell suggested in his motion that events could include re-enactment matches, exhibitions, community events, and participation in state and national anniversary celebrations.
Council officers noted in the agenda that there are only three events produced by council’s major events program each financial year.
In 2026/27, council is scheduled to deliver the Hume Winter Lights Festival in Broadmeadows, which alternates with a Sunbury event that would be delivered mid 2026 as part of next year’s program.
Council said a separate initiative would be proposed to celebrate the Ashes milestone, either in addition or replacement of the Hume Winter Lights Festival.
