The iconic Shepparton Furphy family has donated one of 15 commemorative water tank ends to Greater Shepparton City Council.
Each tank end marks one decade of Furphy Foundry and J. Furphy and Sons operating in Shepparton after the family and manufacturing businesses celebrated the 150th milestone last year.
To mark the occasion, one of these tank ends was auctioned off at the Museum of Vehicle Evolution in Kialla for about $50,000.
On Thursday, March 28, the gift was unveiled at council’s customer service centre on Welford St, Shepparton, where it will be displayed for the foreseeable future.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said locals were well aware of the Furphy legacy and that it was fitting to have the tank end displayed at council’s offices.
“The history behind Furphy is a great Australian story, and the family is ambitious to keep growing what are already leading businesses here in Shepparton,” Cr Sali said.
“Not only do the Furphy family make a significant contribution to the local economy, but they are also a great example of how businesses can evolve, with a focus on modern and sustainable methods.”
The Furphys were among the first families to settle in Shepparton.
J. Furphy and Sons managing director Adam Furphy said the town remained the heartbeat of the business.
“We are really proud of the heritage of our businesses, and the tank end is a perfect symbol of the Furphy story,” he said.
“We have a really deep relationship with not only customers and suppliers but the community at large.”
Furphy Foundry managing director Sam Furphy said the businesses had a great relationship with council that spanned decades and generations.
The unveiling comes after the Furphys donated another one of these 15 tank ends to the Dookie Devenish and District Good Friday Appeal auction, providing a significant boost in fundraising for the Royal Children’s Hospital.