Carrum Downs, a suburb in the City of Frankston, southeast of Melbourne, has a history that reflects the broader development of Melbourne’s outer suburbs. Here’s an exploration of the history of Carrum Downs:
1. Indigenous History:
– The area was originally inhabited by the Bunurong people, part of the Kulin nation.
– The Bunurong people lived in this region for thousands of years before European settlement.
2. Early European Settlement:
– European settlement in the broader area began in the 1840s.
– The land was primarily used for farming and grazing during this period.
3. Name Origin:
– The name “Carrum” is believed to be derived from the Bunurong word “Karrum”, meaning “boomerang”.
– “Downs” refers to the gently undulating landscape of the area.
4. Rural History:
– For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Carrum Downs remained largely rural.
– It was characterized by small farms, market gardens, and orchards.
5. Brotherhood of St. Laurence:
– In the 1930s, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence established a settlement in Carrum Downs.
– This settlement aimed to provide housing and work for unemployed people during the Great Depression.
6. Post-War Development:
– Significant residential development began in the post-World War II era.
– The area saw an influx of new residents as Melbourne’s suburbs expanded.
7. Suburban Growth:
– From the 1970s onwards, Carrum Downs experienced rapid suburban growth.
– Many of the market gardens and farms were subdivided for housing developments.
8. Infrastructure Development:
– The opening of the Mornington Peninsula Freeway in the 1970s improved accessibility to the area.
– This led to further residential and commercial development.
9. Modern Carrum Downs:
– Today, Carrum Downs is a well-established suburban area with a mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial zones.
– It has seen significant population growth in recent decades.
10. Environmental Conservation:
– Despite urban development, efforts have been made to preserve natural areas.
– The Seaford Wetlands, partly located in Carrum Downs, is an important conservation area.
Understanding the history of Carrum Downs provides context for its transformation from a rural area to a suburban locality, reflecting broader trends in Melbourne’s urban expansion and the changing demographics of its outer southeastern suburbs.