Tall tales and true to be shared at iconic company’s 150th celebrations

By Murray Silby

Nov 7, 2023

**Massive milestone:** Cousins Adam and Sam Furphy with one of their company’s iconic water carts at MOVE, when the firm’s museum collection was launched there in 2013, which was the 150th anniversary of the company, now two, being established. Now another milestone awaits, a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the company’s move to Shepparton. Photo by McPherson Media Group

One-and-a-half centuries is a long time in any context, but in the life of a business, it reflects remarkable longevity.

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To also become a common term in the national lexicon is next-level rare, but that’s just what one Shepparton business is celebrating in November.

Shepparton businesses Furphy Foundry and J. Furphy & Sons are this year celebrating 150 years since the company founder moved his operations to Shepparton from Kyneton.

“After such a long period of time in Shepparton, it is great to be able to celebrate a milestone that few businesses get to achieve,” Furphy Foundry managing director Sam Furphy said.

“For our staff, suppliers and customers, it is great to be able to reflect on the journey and share it with others.”

The Furphy Water Cart has become synonymous with the Furphy name, and the anniversary celebrations on November 25 will include a water cart competition over five categories.

The carts were used during World War I, and the stories told around them by soldiers became known for their rubbery reliability, a “furphy” therefore signifying a false or improbable tale.

Category winners will each win a limited edition Furphy Water Cart Tank End produced especially for the occasion.

One of the ends will also be auctioned on the night, with proceeds going to a local charity.

“We are really proud of the heritage of our businesses, and the water cart is a perfect symbol of the Furphy story,” J. Furphy & Sons managing director Adam Furphy said.

“We hope to gather around the back of the carts on the day and tell some more stories.”

Competitors in the water cart competition will be invited to attend an invitation-only evening event along with staff, friends and family of the Furphy businesses.

“This will be a terrific competition, and it’s a wonderful prize,” Furphy Museum curator and Furphy water cart collector Josh Powles said.

“We expect a strong turnout, and it will be terrific to see all of the carts on display.”

Entry to the exhibition and museum will be free to the public during the day, and there will be blacksmithing and water cart re-barrelling demonstrations conducted during the afternoon.