Mitcham

Local History of Mitcham

Mitcham is a suburb in the eastern part of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is located about 21 km east of Melbourne's central business district and has a population of approximately 15,000 people. The suburb covers an area of about 7.4 square kilometers and is situated in the local government area of the City of Whitehorse.

The suburb of Mitcham was originally inhabited by the Wurundjeri people, who were part of the Kulin nation. They lived in the area for thousands of years and had a rich culture and tradition. However, the arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century had a devastating impact on their way of life. The Wurundjeri people were forced to leave their land and many were killed or died due to introduced diseases.

"The arrival of European settlers had a devastating impact on the Wurundjeri people."

The first European settler in the Mitcham area was a man named James Simpson, who arrived in the 1840s. He built a hut near Gardiners Creek and started farming the land. Other settlers soon followed, and the area gradually developed into a small farming community. In the late 19th century, the area began to attract more people who were seeking a rural lifestyle within close proximity to Melbourne.

In 1882, the railway line from Box Hill to Lilydale was extended to Mitcham, which further boosted the growth of the suburb. The railway provided a quick and efficient transport link to Melbourne, which made it easier for people to travel to and from the city. This led to the development of commercial and retail facilities around the railway station, including a hotel, shops, and a post office.

The early 20th century saw the transformation of Mitcham from a rural suburb to a more suburban one. Many large estates were developed and subdivided into smaller blocks, which were sold to people who wanted to build their own homes. Some of the notable estates of that time include the Redland Estate, the Mullum Mullum Estate, and the Mitcham Heights Estate. These estates were designed to provide a more spacious and comfortable living environment than the cramped urban areas of Melbourne.

"Mitcham experienced significant growth and development during the post-World War II period."

Mitcham experienced significant growth and development during the post-World War II period. Many new houses were built, and the population of the suburb increased rapidly. This led to the need for more schools, shops, and other amenities. In the 1960s, the Mitcham Square Shopping Centre was built, which became a hub for retail and commercial activity in the area.

Today, Mitcham is a thriving suburb that offers a mix of residential, commercial, and retail facilities. It is popular among families and professionals who value its leafy streets, spacious homes, and convenient location. The suburb has a strong sense of community and is home to many community organizations and events. It continues to grow and evolve, while preserving its historic and cultural heritage.