“’Garry’ Roberts, of the Melbourne tramways, guide, philosopher and friend of stray artists and inky-wayfarers.”

– The Bulletin, 2 August 1917 

John Garibaldi Roberts, a wealthy tramways manager, opened his Kallista property Sunnyside, not far downhill from here, to visitors between 1910 and 1930. Roberts was an avid advocate for artists, intellectuals, writers and musicians. He encouraged creatives and intellectuals to stay at his property, often as a travel pit stop or as a place to reside for extended periods of time. During one stay at Sunnyside, C. J. Dennis, well-known Australian author, produced The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke (1915), now an Australian classic. Sunnyside hosted many other well-known creatives such as caricaturist David Low, etcher John Shirlow, watercolourist Alick McClintock, sculptor Web Gilbert, artist Hal Gye, author Robert Henderson Croll and painter Tom Roberts. When his property was at full capacity, artists would stay in converted omnibuses floating around the property.

This intellectual and creative hub contributed to the development of the Dandenong Ranges as a creative centre in Victoria. The original house has since been demolished. 

IMAGE:

John Garibaldi Roberts at Sunnyside in South Sassafras, c. 1915

(Source: State Library of Victoria)