Developing a vision for Preston

Aboriginal history in Preston

Preston is located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People of the Kulin Nation (City of Darebin, 2018, pg. 7). It is important to acknowledge and spread awareness of their diverse cultural history and connection with the land as its traditional owners.

Darebin and Merri creek played a significant role in their society during the summer, as a reliable food and water source (City of Darebin, 2018, pg. 9). Aboriginal people continued to be an active and crucial part of Preston’s community from its settlement to urbanization period during the interwar years, contributing to national activism against the Aboriginal Protectorate Board founded in 1860 that regulated every aspect of their life and limited their rights and development (City of Darebin, 2018, pg. 7).

Preston: historical timeline

Traditional land of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People of the Kulin Nation sold during Melbourne’s land boom to European farmers (City of Darebin, 2018, pg. 12).

“Growth” 1880-1890

Fig. 2 – Howe’s tannery c.1926 (Darebin Libraries, 2020)

Increased railway connectivity to Melbourne CBD, new tram services and electrified trains paved the way for shopping strip development along High street and Plenty Rd (Victorian Places 2015).

“Settlement” 1838-1841

Fig. 1 – Batman’s Treaty with the aborigines at Merri Creek (Burtt, 1875)

Tanneries became a major industry in Preston during this period (Darebin Libraries 2020), along with brick, pottery, tiles and farms. With the establishment of rail network to the city, Preston became a suburb with settlement largely concentrated to the south of Bell street within 200 m of High street and Plenty Rd. .

“Urbanization” 1920-1930

Fig. 3 – High street, Preston (Darebin City, n.d.)

“Preston today” 1947 - present

Rapid population growth after interwar period, partly due to overseas immigration, along with educational and economic development has established Preston as a multicultural residential suburb with future plans to build a Northland suburb in Preston East (City of Darebin 2020).