Cricket Australia backs plans for Ashes Museum in Sunbury
An ambitious plan to turn a Sunbury courthouse into a tribute to the country’s greatest sporting rivalry has been given a boost, with Australia’s top cricketing body going into bat for it.
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Cricket Australia has gone in to bat for an Ashes museum in Sunbury.
Under the plan put forward by Hume councillor Jack Medcraft and the Sunbury Historical Society, the old courthouse would be transformed into an Ashes museum to pay tribute to the 1882 match at Rupertswood Manor.
Cricket Australia’s head of government relations and infrastructure Grant Poulter said the organisation wanted to support Sunbury’s link to sporting history.
“Cricket Australia supports plans to better promote the birthplace of the Ashes,” he said.
“Whether it be turning the courthouse into a museum, or improving the facilities to reflect cricket’s connection to the site and its history.
“Cricket Australia would be pleased to work with Hume City Council on plans for a museum, along with other relevant partners including Rupertswood Cricket Club to support its continued connection to this marvellous story.” The old courthouse site will be up for grabs after the Visitor Information Centre moves across to the new Hume Global Learning Centre.
Sunbury’s c laim to cricket’s greatest rivalry took place after a match between a touring English side and a local team in 1882.
Lady Janet Clarke presented English captain Ivo Bligh with a tiny urn containing the ashes of a burnt bail.
Sunbury Historical and Heritage Society president Peter Free said a working committee had already been established and a proposal submitted.
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“I think it would be great. It would liven up our tourism industry and put us on the map in relation to cricket,” he said.
Cr Medcraft welcomed Cricket Australia’s support.
“The history is well known in Sunbury, but the wider community and the cricket world isn’t aware one of the greatest sporting traditions of all time started here,” he said.
“If we’re going to give Sunbury its rightful place in cricket history, this museum is the first step.”
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