Camberwell – a glimpse into the past.
On this page, we will bring you stories about the history of Camberwell as told in contributions sent to us by our supporters.
Here are some other references you can follow up and find out more:
- Camberwell Junction: https://camberwellshopping.com.au/the-history-and-heritage-of-camberwell/
- Camberwell Historical Society Inc., a volunteer organisation whose purposes are to foster historical interest and knowledge of the former City of Camberwell: https://www.chs.org.au/
- Boroondara Library: Research your local history.
Featured image: Discover the history of Camberwell Camberwell Junction circa 1916-17. Credit: Charnley-V.E. State Library Victoria
A lookback at the past: the death of a Mounted Constable in Camberwell in 1894
Reverend Jim Pilmer PSM OAM OStJ
This is the little known story of Mounted Constable James Foley 3811.
Foley was born in County Limerick, Ireland on 15th January 1864 and joined Victoria Police on 4th March 1887. After initial service at Russell Street, Melbourne he was stationed at Leongatha and eventually transferred to Caulfield East police station. He was a single man and an enthusiastic steeple chaser.
On Tuesday, 11 September 1894 Foley was on duty when he was required to ride to Camberwell as he had received information that some pigeons stolen in Caulfield were there. The horse on which he was mounted was described as a ‘splendid jumper’. Foley was accompanied by a friend, Mr Charles Chambers, an estate agent from Malvern. Together they rode to Camberwell and, after Foley had completed his enquiries, he and Chambers set out to return to Caulfield. While doing so they rode up to a paddock on Camberwell Road.
The paddock was enclosed by a two-rail fence. Apparently taking time for some light relief Foley decided to jump his horse over the fence. He cleared it but in attempting to jump his horse back onto the road the horse baulked three times. On the fourth attempt it struck the top rail with its front leg, causing it to turn a complete somersault. After that it rolled on top of Foley who had been thrown from the saddle.
Chambers hurried to Foley who had time to say in a low tone ‘Jack I am killed’ before lapsing into unconsciousness and dying almost immediately.
Chambers hailed the driver of a passing spring cart, put Foley in the back and took him to a Dr Looslie’s residence where life was pronounced extinct. The body was then taken to what the record describes as the ‘Camberwell Hotel’ (most likely the Camberwell Inn, then at the corner of Burke Road and Riversdale Road) whilst those assisting awaited the direction of the Coroner.
Police records contain full details as to the cause of death but emphasise that Foley was perfectly sober at the time and that the fence ‘was a pretty stiff one to tackle’.
The funeral took place on the afternoon of Thursday 13 September 1894. The cortege moved from the Camberwell Hotel to Melbourne General Cemetery at 2pm. It was largely attended by police members. The coffin and grave were covered with flowers, among which were wreaths from the police at Russell Street and other stations.
Interestingly the Inquest into Constable Foley’s death took place on the morning of his funeral. It was conducted in Camberwell. The exact location is unclear but the same hotel seems likely. Foley’s relatives were represented and an equine expert attended on behalf of Victoria Police. Members from Caulfield attested to Mounted Constable Foley’s ‘excellent character’ and the Inquest was told that there was nothing in police regulations against mounted constables jumping their horses, either for practice or in the discharge of their duties. Market gardener, W. Meehan gave evidence and stated that he had seen the event take place.
The Oakleigh Leader newspaper of Saturday 15/9/1894 reported that the jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
The above article is drawn from research conducted by retired Chief Inspector Ralph Stavely, Chair of the Victoria Police Memorials Committee. Jim Pilmer is an Anglican priest and chaplain to Boroondara and Camberwell Police stations.
Camberwell Showtime: the first 10 years from 1964 to 1973
Graeme McCoubrie, CST Foundation 10
Camberwell Showtime is an all-original stage production written and presented by the Scouts of Boroondara and Yarra (and friends). Since Camberwell Showtime began in 1965, more than 3500 young people have learned and enjoyed Showtime, with more than 340 performances locally and across Victoria.
Seeking participants from the early years of Camberwell Showtime
The CST Foundation is seeking participants who were part of the first 10 years of Camberwell Showtime from 1964 to 1973.
Some 60 years ago, the then Camberwell District included Scouts, Senior Scouts and Leaders from the suburbs of Ashburton, Glen Iris, Camberwell, Canterbury, Surrey Hills, Balwyn and North Balwyn.
The inspiration for the first-year of Camberwell Showtime in August 1965 was the ‘BP at Mafeking’ Arena display first performed at the 7th Australian Jamboree 1964/5 at Dandenong. Held at the Methodist Ladies College Assembly Hall, the production was led by local Scouters, Stuart Levens, Graeme McCoubrie and Ray Hodge.
Some 300 people were involved in the Camberwell District staging of this first event. Over the next 10 years of Showtime, there were another 500 cast, technical team and supporters participants.
A Reunion of Camberwell Showtimers
Sixty years later on, Foundation 10 Showtimers are looking to recognise the beginnings of Camberwell Showtime. They are planning a Foundation 10 Anniversary Dinner on Saturday 22nd August 2026 at the Waverley Masonic Centre. The evening will feature objects covering these first 10 years including visuals, CDs, photos, documents and more.
Were you part of those years? Who do you know who were part of those years?
We have been tracking as many as possible but need more names and contact details. We recognise many may not be enjoying good health, are no longer with us or are far away from our base here in Camberwell. Every little piece of information will help us in reaching out to as many past participants as possible, before it’s too late.
If you can help us communicate with these people, please email us at cst 3147.foundation10@gmail.com or write to us at PO Box 336 Ashburton Vic
Camberwell Sunday Market marks 50 years of community spirit creating lasting impact
What began as a local Sunday Market in 1976 has grown into one of Victoria’s most successful volunteer-run community enterprises. Fifty years on, the Camberwell Sunday Market remains proof that when a community comes together, a lasting benefit follows.
This milestone reflects five decades of the Market’s legacy, community connection, and lasting social impact. Over these 50 years, the Market has generated over $20 million of community benefits, supporting thousands of organisations locally, in Australia, and internationally.
An extraordinary success story of community spirit and inclusion
Each week, up to 370 stalls and between 5000 and 7000 visitors people visit the Camberwell Sunday Market. For many, the Sunday Market has been more than just a place to shop. It has also been a place of connection, community and countless stories.
The Sunday Market provides a place for handmade, pre-loved, collectables and bric-à-brac, a function that was part of the market’s original purpose.
In 2011, Melbourne-based lawyer, writer, and arts professional Leah Annetta wrote Sunday Service: The Balwyn Rotary Camberwell Sunday Market, which documents the market’s history, characters, community impact, and quirky traditions. A long-time visitor and enthusiast of the market, Annetta is deeply familiar with its stallholders, collectors, and culture.
‘It’s as addictive as playing the lottery. You don’t want the one Sunday you sleep in to be the one where you would have hit the jackpot. There’s nothing worse than arriving and wistfully passing someone leaving, with the very thing you’ve been searching for, under their arm,’ says Annetta.
How the community has benefited from funds raised
Susie Cole, Chair RIMERN, one of the Market’s fund recipients says, ‘Proceeds from Rotary Balwyn’s Camberwell Market funded half the Rotary Inner Melbourne Emergency Relief Network (RIMERN) truck that collects donated furniture, appliances and homewares for people in need all over Melbourne. Market patrons really help us keep goods out of landfill and into the homes of hundreds of people needing a fresh start every year.’
In Boroondara, nearly $8 million has been directed towards community strengthening grants benefiting more than 1,800 local organisations. These include volunteer groups and neighbourhood initiatives to arts and cultural programs.
The Market’s reach extends far beyond the local area. Close to $6 million has supported food relief programs, emergency assistance, environmental initiatives, and disaster recovery across Australia. More than $3.4 million has funded youth leadership programs, education initiatives, and scholarships. Over $2.2 million has contributed to medical research and healthcare, including mental health research and global support to eradicate polio. And more than $4.7 million has funded humanitarian projects in Timor-Leste, Cambodia, Nepal, and Turkey.
Celebrating 50 years of community spirit and impact
The Camberwell Sunday Markets 50th Anniversary celebrations will happen on Sunday 30 August, from 7am to 12:30pm at Market Place, Camberwell. The celebrations will bring together patrons, stallholders, Rotary volunteers, and community partners City of Boroondara and the Camberwell Traders. The day will feature live entertainment, kids’ activities, special guests and a celebration of the Market’s legacy.
To learn more, go here.
Every stall set up before dawn… every purchase made… and every volunteer hour given… contributes to something far greater than a marketplace.