The News Hub

Published: 8 April 2026.

Debney Drive in Burnside is named after George Debney, a prominent early settler and highly skilled cabinet maker. In the early 1850s, George’s parents Robert and Margaret Debney purchase a large property north of Secon Creek, which later became known as Undelcarra, where they built three houses.

Their main home was a substantial ten‑room, single‑storey house, parts of which have been incorporated into the grand two-storey residence on Undelcarra Drive. The property was sold in 1877.

George Debney was widely respected for his craftsmanship as a cabinet maker. His workshop won the prestigious contract to fit out South Australia’s Legislative Chamber. When a fire destroyed much of his work, he rebuilt and completed the project.

The Debney’s house is depicted in James Shaw’s 1865 painting ‘Undelcarra’, which is held in the City of Burnside’s Collection.