“A penny for your thoughts,” a passerby chuckled, mistaking my intense gaze at the Sidney Myer Bust for deep contemplation. If only they knew the fascinating life story of the man immortalized in bronze right here. This isn’t just a statue. It’s a tribute to Sidney Myer, a man who arrived in Melbourne in 1899 with almost nothing. He fled poverty and persecution in Belarus, determined to forge a new life. Sidney, a natural entrepreneur, started small, selling goods from a cart in the Victorian goldfields. His work ethic and charm were undeniable. He eventually opened a drapery store with his brother in Bendigo, laying the foundation for what would become the Myer department store empire. But Sidney Myer was more than a businessman. He was a philanthropist who believed in giving back to the community that embraced him. During the Depression, he famously cut his own wages to avoid laying off employees, a testament to his character. His legacy lives on through the Sidney Myer Fund, established in his will to support the arts, education, and social welfare. So, next time you see this bust, remember the penniless immigrant who rose to become a retail magnate and generous benefactor. His story is a true testament to the Australian spirit of hard work, resilience, and compassion.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs