Carrum Downs Local History
The History of Carrum Downs, Victoria, Australia
Carrum Downs is a suburb in the southeast of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is located 36 kilometers southeast of Melbourne's central business district and falls under the City of Frankston local government area. The suburb has a long and rich history that dates back to pre-colonial times when it was inhabited by the Bunurong people.
The Bunurong people were the indigenous inhabitants of the Mornington Peninsula, where Carrum Downs is located. They lived in the area for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. The Bunurong people were semi-nomadic and lived off the land, hunting and gathering food from the surrounding forests, rivers, and bays. They had a deep connection to the land and the sea, and their folklore and mythology were centred around the natural elements of the region.
European settlement in the Carrum Downs area started in the mid-19th century. In 1842, William Edwards purchased land near Dandenong Creek, which is now part of Carrum Downs. He established a homestead there and started farming, creating one of the earliest settlements in the area. A few years later, another pioneer, George Brown, settled in the area and began farming in what is now known as Skye.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Carrum Downs was mostly a farming community. The area was known for its fertile soil and produced crops such as fruit, nuts, and vegetables. With the arrival of the railway in the late 1800s, the area experienced growth and development as more people moved to the area to start farms and businesses. The railway made it easier to transport goods and people to and from the area, opening new opportunities for economic growth.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Carrum Downs experienced a period of significant transformation. Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation saw the area shift from a rural farming community to a bustling suburb with factories, warehouses, and housing developments. The population grew rapidly, and the suburb became a popular location for people looking for affordable housing close to Melbourne.
Today, Carrum Downs is a growing and diverse community with a population of around 21,000 people. The suburb is home to a variety of businesses, including manufacturing, retail, and service industries. It is also known for its green spaces and parks, including the Seaford Wetlands, which is a popular spot for bird watching and nature walks.
In recent years, there have been plans for further development and growth in Carrum Downs. The Victorian state government has invested in infrastructure projects such as the Peninsula Link freeway, which connects Carrum Downs to other parts of the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne. There have also been plans for new housing developments and transportation projects, which are expected to bring more jobs and economic growth to the area.
As Carrum Downs continues to evolve and grow, it remains an important part of the history and culture of the Mornington Peninsula. Its rich heritage and vibrant community make it a unique and special place to live, work, and visit.