“Beauty in Australia is like pearls before the swine.” Why were these words painted on a power pole here in Bickley Vale? The mystery remained unsolved for years. Now, let’s step back in time and explore the captivating story of Bickley Vale, a unique suburb in the Macarthur Region of Sydney.
Bickley Vale’s story stretches back long before European settlement. The Gandangara people of the Southern Highlands called this area home. The Muringong people, from the Darug group, also knew these lands.
In 1805, a significant chapter began. Wool pioneer John Macarthur received a grant of 5,000 acres at Cowpastures, now known as Camden. The name Bickley Vale comes from a property within this area. Today, Bickley Vale retains its rural charm.
But the modern story of Bickley Vale truly starts in the 1920s. Edna Walling, a visionary landscape designer, dreamt of an English-style village. She brought this vision to life across approximately 12 hectares around her residence, named “Sonning”.
Walling’s influence extended to every corner of Bickley Vale. Prospective property owners had to agree to her involvement in the design of their cottages and gardens. All plants came from her nursery at “Sonning”. More than 90 years later, Edna’s vision continues to inspire the community.
When Edna Walling departed in 1967, the residents became caretakers of her legacy. They called themselves “Friends of Edna Walling”. They maintained the village, including the roadside verges.
Bickley Vale earned heritage protection in 2004. The National Trust recognized it as a “Classified” Landscape. The Yarra Ranges Shire acknowledged it as “an area of special significance.”
Maintaining the gardens sometimes feels like an archaeological dig. Stone paths emerge from beneath the foliage. The stories behind certain trees and structures have faded.
Take that old power pole, for instance. It stood with a seat nearby. No one knew who installed the seat or why the pole remained after the power lines went underground. Minutes from a residents’ meeting in the early 1990s revealed part of the story. Telecom had left the pole behind after completing the underground project. Due to an “invoicing problem,” the Garden Scheme was never billed for their share of the costs. So, the residents decided to keep quiet about the pole.
The mystery of the painted words “Beauty in Australia is like pearls before the swine” remained until a storytelling evening with residents Brian and Brigitte McKeever. The full story of the pole and its painted message will be retold shortly.
Bickley Vale stands as a testament to Edna Walling’s vision. It showcases a unique blend of history, landscape design, and community spirit. As you stroll through the lanes, please remember to respect the privacy of the residents. While some gardens occasionally open to the public, there is generally no public access to the gardens.