JOIN the friends of the Yan Yean Reservoir for an inspirational afternoon and learn all about a hidden hero who championed Melbourne’s oldest water-supply reservoir.
James Blackburn was the architect behind the Yan Yean Reservoir built in 1855 and opened, two years later, in 1857.
Mr Blackburn was born in England, in August 1803, and he became a Civil Engineer, how he made his way to Australia is another story—he committed forgery!
Blackburn was sentenced to life imprisonment and transported to Tasmania and immediately sent to work in the government department that designed the bridges and roads. However, being a convict, he could not sign off on the designs.
The department heads signatures appear on all the plans therefore Blackburn had no official credit of his work.
Blackburn was given a free pardon in 1841, but a government contract was never offered, and he eventually moved his family to Melbourne in 1849.
He was successful in achieving a position as the City Engineer and it was while there he was asked to look into a system that would provide Melbourne’s growing population with clean, healthy, drinking water.
Secretary of the Friends of Yan Yean Reservoir, Sue Wright, said the group of volunteers are keen to share Blackburn’s inspirational story.
“Blackburn’s story is one of great achievement,” Mrs Wright said.
“He faced some fierce professional opposition before the Yan Yean system was accepted.
“He also had to face some heartbreaking personal challenges at the same time.
“Sadly, he never saw the reservoir finished. His amazing contribution has faded and after 170 years we felt the story – all the story should be told.”
The volunteers have compiled a presentation of Blackburn’s life accompanied by a narrative and over 140 images.
The Hidden Hero tribute will be held at the Caretaker’s Cottage, Yan Yean Reservoir, Recreation Road, on Saturday, September 13, at 2pm.
The cost is $15, and there is a discount for groups and refreshments will be provided.
Bookings are essential, please call Sue Wright on 0414 526 407.
