Konted's Make My Day 2: The Tranquil Town Of Sunbury

The Tranquil Town Of Sunbury

The officer-in-charge of the Court of Petty Sessions wanted me to wear a magistrate's robe and wig and sit on the raised bench. I was to act as judicial officer for the day. Of course, that was only for souvenir shots, for picture taking. The Court of Petty Sessions was created in the early days to hear minor disputes in Sunbury. Though no longer a part of the judicial system of the state of Victoria, the Court of Petty Sessions of Sunbury has been preserved, still complete with a bar table, witness stand, judge's bench and a gallery. It now functions as a Visitors Information Center.

Sunbury is a quiet town that is about 45 kilometers away from Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD). Populated as early as 1836, which was many years before the gold rush and with George Evans as its first settler, Sunbury is northwest of Melbourne City proper. A laid back town with still a great part of its land planted to agricultural crops, Sunbury in recent years has been progressing with housing projects being carried out along its borders. It is now part of Greater Melbourne.

At the town center are bars and restaurants, gift shops, supermarkets, hotels and other business establishments that cater to the needs of its growing population. Sunbury has a health center with complete facilities, library, museum, a customers service established by the council, memorial hall, schools and many more. Near the town reserve are two churches focused on the spiritual needs of Sunbury residents.

Near the fountain at Greenland reserve, I had a brief talk with a Sunbury resident. He was with his young son. When I was asked about my impressions of Australia and Australians, I said that generally Australians are mild mannered, disciplined, courteous and very accommodating. Yes they are.

On my way back to the train station, I took a rest at one of the many benches along the sidewalk. I took out from my backpack a canister of Pringles and started munching. A few meters away was a woman in her 50s, humming a song. An Australian Raven was squawking as it perched on a tree branch. Several ladies were walking their dogs. Cars passed me by. It was delightfully quiet that precise moment at Sunbury.

After gulping a Berry apple juice, I continued my walk, somewhat limping. I wanted to walk faster, but I could not. I have lost that nimbleness or quickness I had many years back. Anyway, there were still many train trips back to the city. No problem at all.

- Konted