Sunbury Historical Tours

18/09/2026

Hi guys, just wanted to let you know that it might be worthwhile reaching out to Julee and Allison from Sunbury Asylum Alliance as so many of you have been texting and messaging me expressing how upset and concerned you are about The Block and the possibility of future or further housing on the old asylum site, particularly within the historic buildings.
I thought it might be worthwhile to get behind Julee and Allison with your efforts so that they can facilitate having all of your concerns heard collectively. There seems to be quite a lot of community feeling about what is happening, and hopefully bringing people together could help give those concerns a stronger voice.
The Sunbury Asylum Alliance key goals were to secure a long-term lease for the site's fenced-off "inner circle" to create a vibrant destination featuring spaces for walking, picnics, events, and dining for the benefit of the community to enjoy and has long been actively advocating and negotiating with the Victorian State Government for over 13 years. The Sunbury Asylum Alliance strongly opposes turning the heritage-protected inner core into residential housing or apartments, arguing the local area already has enough standard housing and I totally agree. Reach out to Julee & Allison to see if they have any active petitions or are able to assist with having your concerns heard at a higher level.

17/09/2026

17/09/2026

📣 Exclusive Announcement 📣

Sunbury, I’ve got some massive news, and I wanted you to be the first to hear it, right here, right now.

The Block, 2027 is coming to Sunbury 👏

It will be filmed and delivered using three of more than a dozen heritage buildings at Jacksons Hill, kickstarting the next stage of our master plan.

For many years, you and I have been working hard to secure the future and protect heritage buildings at Jacksons Hill – and now we have taken another huge step forward in doing just that.

I know people may be concerned about what this will mean for the future of the site. However, as it currently stands, these beautiful buildings are simply destined to deteriorate beyond repair – taking with them the important history, and legacy they represent.

The site is included in the Victorian Heritage Register and is of historical significance to the State of Victoria. Channel Nine and “The Block,” are required to obtain approval from Heritage Victoria for all proposed works and activities, safeguarding the site's heritage values, in three buildings which have been vacant, empty and deteriorating since 2010.

Put simply, this means that these heritage buildings will be refurbished under strict supervision from Heritage Victoria, rather than being demolished.

Since saving this site in 2015, we have come a long way in helping to save and protect one of our most coveted local landmarks – and there is still more to do.

In that time, we have upgraded both Sunbury Primary and Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist schools, and in 2025 we opened our brand-new Community Arts and Cultural Precinct – Artise – creating a new home for many of Sunbury’s thriving creative and cultural groups and delivering on our commitment to open these spaces back up to the community.

Today’s announcement, and what will follow, will continue our work to revitalise this site – attracting further investment such as cafes, retail opportunities, restaurants, and vibrant community spaces.

It is good for local tourism, and it is good for local small and medium businesses – supporting our thriving local economy.

When we came to office it was, to some, at its end-of-life – disused, disregarded and in disrepair – never to be opened up.

This major milestone is the vital next stage of the masterplan the community helped create in 2018 which recommended active re-use and protection of this site – to revisit the masterplan please head to https://vpa.vic.gov.au/project/jacksons-hill-masterplan/

The heritage permit application will be publicly advertised later this month, and submissions can also be made during that time.

We said we would create a new future for Jacksons Hill – and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

22/08/2026

Well …… looks like these historic beautiful buildings are earmarked for future residential…… Ofcourse this was the plan all along !!!! I’m so glad we had the opportunity that we did at the time to run our tours 🙏❤️

10/08/2026

Hello Guys ........ Just an update about future tours. I have responded not giving up just yet!!!

Hi Julie
Apologies for the late reply.

Thank you for your interest in the former asylum at Jacksons Hill, Sunbury. As you would be aware, the buildings and grounds are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. Unfortunately, the buildings and grounds are not in a condition suitable for public access and tours of the site cannot be supported at this time. However, we will keep your contact details on our file, in the event that situation changes.

Thank you for raising this matter.
Manager Ministerial Land
Landholding and Sales | Land and Property | Land Services Victoria
Planning and Land Services
Department of Transport and Planning

I acknowledge all Traditional Owners across Victoria, their Elders past and present. I recognise their continued connection to the land and waters which the Victorian Transport and Planning systems operate on. I am committed to building genuine partnerships with Traditional Owners and the First Peoples community to progress and achieve their aspirations and meet their expectations.

19/07/2026

Community feedback on the Draft Hume Planning Scheme Amendment C283hume, which proposes the rezoning of 11 hectares at Jacksons Hill (the former Victoria University campus), has officially been extended.
We are asking for your support by taking a moment to share your feedback and vote in favour of preserving the history and heritage of Jacksons Hill in Sunbury through reinstating our much-loved Sunbury Historical Tours. Your support would mean so much. Every submission counts, and your voice can help protect and celebrate our local history for future generations.

To have your say, please visit the Engage Victoria Jacksons Hill Project portal: https://engage.vic.gov.au/draft-hume-planning-scheme-amendment-c283hume
Click the link above and let your support be heard.
Thank you so much for standing with us. 🙏🙏🙏♥️

Have your say on the proposed changes to the Hume Planning Scheme to rezone part of Jacksons Hill, Sunbury.

18/07/2026

An Important Update from Sunbury Historical Tours regarding the
Draft Hume Planning Scheme Amendment C283hume

I have formally made a submission to The Draft Hume Planning Scheme Amendment C283 hume, requesting that the future planning framework for the former Sunbury Mental Hospital site recognise the importance of heritage interpretation, community connection and opportunities for respectful public engagement.

As part of this submission, I have requested consideration for the reinstatement of Sunbury Historical Tours at Jacksons Hill through a carefully managed heritage tourism and interpretation programme.

For approximately seven years, Sunbury Historical Tours provided the community with the opportunity to learn about the remarkable and complex history of this significant site, sharing the stories of patients, families, nurses, healthcare workers, staff, and the many people whose lives were connected to the former hospital.

The response from the community since raising the possibility of bringing the tours back has been truly overwhelming. I have heard from former staff, healthcare workers, historians, local residents and many people who feel a strong connection to Jackson's Hill and believe these stories should continue to be shared with future generations.

We will responsibly return tours with appropriate approvals, safety requirements, insurance, and respect for the site's heritage significance.

I would like to thank everyone who has shared memories, encouragement and support. Your messages demonstrate how meaningful Jacksons Hill is to so many people.

I will continue to advocate for the preservation and respectful interpretation of this important part of Sunbury’s history and will keep you updated as this process progresses.

Draft Hume Planning Scheme Amendment C283hume
https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/draft-hume-planning-scheme-amendment-c283hume/participate
Click on the above link and have your say :) support for Sunbury Historical Tours to return would be so very much appreciated !!!!

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Julie Mills
Sunbury Historical Tours

29/05/2026

Just to let you all know .....
I’m currently exploring the possibility of restarting my historical tours and am making enquiries. I’m hoping to regain access to the buildings, and if permission is granted, I plan to resume operations in the near future. Let me know if you would be interested in attending one ....... Watch this space ........ Julie Mills