Most viewed - Carrucan and Sweeney Picture Galleries

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1843 letter of Thomas Sweeney3 viewsAn important insight into the lives of Thomas and Margaret Sweeney prior to taking up their land in Nillumbik comes from a letter written by Thomas in Melbourne on January 27th 1843 to G.S. Airey Esq., Commissioner of Crown Lands. This letter is reproduced below.
Sir, this is to inform you that I am a Squatter on the South side of the Yarra distant about seven miles from Melbourne – That there is a Mr Bellfleur a Superintendent for Mr. Walker who is a Squatter upon the lands adjoining me – And he makes a continual practice of driving the Cattle under his Charge over my lands and with all I can do or say he still persists in doing so – That some part of my land being under crops it is of a most serious consequence – It grieves me much to have to make a complaint of this kind, but the Law of self protection induces me so to do. I trust therefore that you will take the matter into Consideration and aid in the procuring the wanted – restoration of my rights – Your kind interference in this behalf will Exceedingly oblige – Your very humble and obedient Servant. Thos Sweeney.’
This letter is reproduced courtesy of the Public Record Office Victoria "VPRS-96.P2, Unit 1".

1843 Sweeney Boroondara holding - a modern map3 viewsThomas Sweeney's land in Boroondara occupied under licence by the Sweeneys was basically an alluvial river flat with lagoons, some surviving trees and a stockyard. The alluvial flats with flood enriched soils were generally ideal areas for cultivation and grazing, with timber-getting being a reliable income as long as it lasted. The trees were initially felled by squatters for huts and fences, and wood was always needed for cooking and heating. Floods were a problem for anyone living close to the river and when they were severe, crops had to be replanted, huts repaired and fences rebuilt.
This modern map, to which Peter Cuffley has added words and boundaries, shows exactly how the Eastern Freeway has now cut through Thomas Sweeney's 146 acre Boroondara leasehold. Thomas was keen to buy it in the 1840s, but was not to know it would mostly become reserved land and later be affected by a freeway and the Burke Road on and off ramps.

1997-10-19 Pat Sweeney with Peter Cuffley3 viewsThis photo shows cousins Pat Sweeney and Peter Cuffley.
It was taken in 1997 when Pat Sweeney was visiting Victoria from his home in Western Australia.

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