Furphy to celebrate 150th birthday in Shepparton at MOVE

The rich history of the famous Furphy water carts, considered a collector’s treasure, will be honoured at a special event this month.

J. Furphy and Sons managing director Adam Furphy and MOVE curator Jade Burley. Picture: Zoe Phillips

The rich century-and-a-half history of Furphy manufacturing is being celebrated this month at its birthplace in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley.

Furphy Foundry and J. Furphy and Sons are honouring the 150-year anniversary of John Furphy’s fabled move to Shepparton from Kyneton, where he established an Australian manufacturing icon.

“We are really proud of the heritage of our businesses and the water cart is a perfect symbol of the Furphy story,” J. Furphy and Sons managing director Adam Furphy said.

As part of the celebrations a Furphy water cart exhibition and competition will be held on November 25 at the Museum of Vehicle Evolution, at Kialla, 10km south of Shepparton.

Five categories including the most unique Furphy water cart, best restored, most original, people’s choice and judge’s choice are part of the competition, with entrants from far and wide expected.

Furphy manufacturing is celebrating 150 years in Shepparton at a gala night and Furphy water cart competition on November 25. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Winners are to be presented at a VIP event that evening, where they will each win a limited edition Furphy water cart tank end produced especially for the occasion. One of the ends will also be auctioned on the night with proceeds going to a local charity.

Furphy tanks have become an extremely valuable collectors item in recent years, including one at Beechworth which was sold by Karen and Chris Bartsh for more than $61,000 via an online clearing sale late last year.

Museum of Vehicle Evolution curator Jade Burley said he was proud to host and help celebrate the history of the Furphy name.

“People love a story behind things and any object is only as good as the story. Furphy is a really iconic brand, separated by that lineage and heritage as a family business which has stood the test of time,” he said.

“It is a great local story.”

At the upcoming celebration, entry to the exhibition and museum will be free to the public. There will also be blacksmithing and water cart re-barrelling demonstrations conducted during the afternoon.