A temporary public art exhibition celebrating Sunbury’s past has been so popular that a local history group will push for it to be made a permanent fixture.
About 30 photos and paintings showcasing old buildings and key milestones in Sunbury’s history were unveiled last month as part of a Hume council project that’s expected to continue until at least the end of this month.
Sunbury Historical and Heritage Society president Peter Free said reaction had been so positive that the group wanted to work with the council to ensure people could continue to take a stroll through their town’s past.
‘‘A lot of the oldies have enjoyed it, but there’s also been a lot of new people who’ve gained an appreciation of Sunbury’s history,’’ he said.
The exhibition, stretching from the south end of O’Shanassy Street to the north end of Evans Street, includes images and original paintings depicting long-lost buildings and special moments, such as the 1883 cricket match at Rupertswood that led to the first presentation of the Ashes urn. The Sunbury pop festival of 1975 is also featured.
City sustainability director Kelvin Walsh said the council was thrilled that people had enjoyed the exhibition.
‘‘There is no reason why the photos and paintings could not stay up longer, provided that the building owners are comfortable with that,’’ he said.
Mayor Helen Patsikatheodorou said the exhibition, which winds through many laneways of the town centre, was a great way to get to know Sunbury better. ‘‘The images remind us of the deep history Sunbury enjoys.’’
