Camberwell, Victoria

File:Camberwell Town Hall 01a.jpg as seen from Camberwell Road.]]

File:Camberwell.JPG) in May 2006]]

Camberwell received its name as a result of an early settler being reminded of the way three roads intersected in the south London district of Camberwell. This intersection is now known as Camberwell Junction. The development that followed was a product of the expansion of Melbourne's suburban rail network in the 1880s.{{cite web | title = Camberwell | website = Victorian Places | url = https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/camberwell | access-date = 14 August 2024}}

The area now known as Camberwell was inhabited from an estimated 31,000 to 40,000 years agoGary Presland, The First Residents of Melbourne's Western Region, (revised edition), Harriland Press, 1997. {{ISBN|0-646-33150-7}} and is part of the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation.

Camberwell Post Office opened on 12 October 1864.{{Cite web | website = Phoenix Auctions History | title = Post Office List | url = http://www.phoenixauctions.com.au/cgi-bin/wsPhoenix.sh/Viewpocdwrapper.p?SortBy=VIC&filter=*Camberwell* | access-date = 28 January 2021 }}

The Prospect Hill Road Precinct area is adjacent to the railway station and is the oldest part of the suburb. The original subdivision was relatively generous blocks, which were quickly filled with fine Victorian and Edwardian houses. Due to its hilly topography, many east–west streets in the Prospect Hill area have a view of Melbourne's Central Business District. Its main commercial centre developed along Burke Road from its railway station to Camberwell Junction, 500 m to the south. Several tram routes converge on this point.

Though the area was originally agricultural, Camberwell is now one of the most well-established of Melbourne's affluent suburbs. It is part of the City of Boroondara, the local government area with the lowest socio-economic disadvantage index in Australia. There is almost no industrial land in Camberwell, and commercial uses are concentrated near the Burke Road precinct, which has long been one of the busiest in suburban Melbourne.

In the 1980s, a planned major development to the east of the Burke Road shopping strip met substantial opposition from local residents. National Mutual Life Association proposed a 24,000 sq.m. three-storey enclosed shopping centre,{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ZaIQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lpUDAAAAIBAJ&dq=national-mutual%20camberwell&pg=4692%2C4433885|title=Planning amendment may soon be tested|date=27 November 1985|work=The Age|access-date=15 December 2009}}{{dead link|date=August 2024}} which drew substantial objection.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nAYQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_ZIDAAAAIBAJ&dq=national-mutual%20camberwell&pg=2936%2C6098864|title=Burke Road project deadline set|date=29 October 1986|work=The Age|access-date=15 December 2009}}{{dead link|date=August 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=q3wQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dJIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2329,5140755&dq|title=Camberwell fighting push for new shopping centre|date=18 May 1987|work=The Age|access-date=15 December 2009|archive-date=29 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129161819/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=q3wQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dJIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2329,5140755&dq|url-status=live}} Developer Floyd Podgornik's Podgor Group (Podgor) purchased the site from National Mutual in 1987{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1300&dat=19871007&id=JQgRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9pIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6132,4532227|title=Camberwell residents await Podgor moves|date=7 October 1987|work=The Age|access-date=15 December 2009}} and submitted revised plans to Camberwell Council. When the Council approved Podgor's plans in 1988, 400 residents stormed the meeting.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HEQRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=85YDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2299,4892840&dq=podgor+camberwell&hl=en|title=Camberwell residents storm council|date=17 May 1988|work=The Age|access-date=15 December 2009|archive-date=29 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129154914/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HEQRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=85YDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2299%2C4892840&dq=podgor%20camberwell&hl=en|url-status=live}} At elections later that year, anti-development protesters won control of the Council{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EEARAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fZYDAAAAIBAJ&dq=podgor%20camberwell&pg=4464,5206340|title=Podgor plan in doubt|date=8 August 1988|work=The Age|access-date=15 December 2009}} and although the developer subsequently proposed a lesser development,{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=o0MRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CZcDAAAAIBAJ&dq=podgor%20camberwell&pg=1705%2C5233679|title=New junction plans go to Camberwell council|date=17 May 1989|work=The Age|access-date=15 December 2009}} in 1990 it rescinded its decision to approve the shopping centre. Subsequently, Podgor sued the council to court and was awarded $25m in damages.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/27/1082831566692.html|title=Battle Stations|date=28 April 2004|work=The Age|access-date=15 December 2009|location=Melbourne|archive-date=4 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104112603/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/27/1082831566692.html|url-status=live}}

Opposition similar to that facing the Podgor redevelopment was mounted regarding plans dating from 1999 to develop Camberwell railway station to incorporate retail and office development. High-profile present and past residents Geoffrey Rush and Barry Humphries supported the protest action, but the development was finally approved in 2009.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/state-policy-wins-camberwell-project-approved-20090708-ddf6.html|title=State policy wins: Camberwell project approved|date=9 July 2009|work=The Age|access-date=15 December 2009|location=Melbourne|first=Kate|last=Lahey|archive-date=9 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709165236/http://www.theage.com.au/national/state-policy-wins-camberwell-project-approved-20090708-ddf6.html|url-status=live}} However, the development never eventuated after VicTrack, the owner of the land, announced that it would not proceed with construction.{{cite web |last1=Carey |first1=Adam |title=Camberwell station development shelved |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/camberwell-station-development-shelved-20121003-26yls.html |website=The Age |access-date=15 September 2022 |language=en |date=3 October 2012 |archive-date=15 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915234050/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/camberwell-station-development-shelved-20121003-26yls.html |url-status=live }}

Camberwell Junction is designated as one of 26 Principal Activity Centres in the Melbourne 2030 Metropolitan Strategy.{{cite web | title = Melbourne 2030: Planning for sustainable growth | date = 2002 | url = https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/guides-and-resources/strategies-and-initiatives/melbournes-strategic-planning-history/melbourne-2030-planning-for-sustainable-growth-2002 | page = 47 | website = www.planning.vic.gov.au}}

According to the 2021 census of Population, there were 21,965 people in Camberwell.

• 65.8% of people were born in Australia. The next most common countries of birth were China 7.0%, England 3.3%, India 2.0%, New Zealand 2.0% and Malaysia 1.7%.
• 71.1% of people spoke only English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Mandarin 9.3%, Greek 2.4%, Cantonese 2.1%, Italian 1.5% and French 1.3%.
• The most common responses for religion were No Religion 43.8%, Catholic 20.5% and Anglican 8.9%.

East Camberwell, Hartwell, Riversdale and Willison are four officially named{{Cite web|title = Community and neighbourhood centres|url = http://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/our-city/community/centres|access-date = 2015-06-01|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150703013028/http://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/our-city/community/centres|archive-date = 3 July 2015|website = City of Boroondara|url-status=dead}} neighbourhoods, within the general area of the railway stations of the same name.

The historic Rivoli Cinemas sit just west of Camberwell Junction, in the adjacent suburb of Hawthorn East.

A feature of Camberwell is the Burke Road shopping strip, which stretches north, approximately 600 m from Camberwell Junction, where three tram routes converge.

The southern areas of the Prospect Hill Precinct (from the south side of Prospect Hill Road to Riversdale Road) were developed for the Riversdale Estate, Kasouka Estate and Gladstone Park Estates from the late nineteenth century. The Kasouka Estate{{Cite web|author=((Harston, Partridge & Co., Printers))|date=1891|title=Kasouka Estate|url=https://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/204489|access-date=2017-03-20|website=State Library Victoria}} was created in 1891 and included Kasouka Road, Trafalgar, Prospect Hill and Riversdale Roads. Kasouka Road has a high level of visual cohesion and is dominated by Victorian and Edwardian period villas.{{Cite web|url=http://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/-/media/Files/Imported/C/Camberwell%20Conservation%20Study%201991%20Vol%204%20_%20Part%201.pdf|title=Camberwell Conservation Study 1991|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324044526/https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/-/media/Files/Imported/C/Camberwell%20Conservation%20Study%201991%20Vol%204%20_%20Part%201.pdf|archive-date=24 March 2016|url-status=dead}}

The Camberwell Sunday Market has been operated by the Rotary Club of Balwyn since 1976 and comprises 370 stallholders, selling secondhand clothing, books, furniture, and crafts.{{cite web|url=https://www.sundaymarket.com.au/Default.aspx?p=5|title=Camberwell Sunday Market|publisher=Rotary Club of Balwyn|access-date=16 December 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001045129/http://www.sundaymarket.com.au/Default.aspx?p=5|archive-date=1 October 2009}}

Camberwell has several parks, reserves and playgrounds, most notably, Frog Hollow Reserve, Fordham Gardens, Cooper Reserve, Bowen Gardens, Lynden Park, Highfield Park, Riversdale Park and Willison Park.{{cite map|url=http://www.whereis.com/vic/camberwell-3124/category-parks---reserves|title=Parks & Reserves|publisher=Whereis|access-date=24 October 2014|archive-date=24 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024111503/http://www.whereis.com/vic/camberwell-3124/category-parks---reserves|url-status=live}}

Camberwell is home to a number of notable head offices, including Pacific Brands and Bakers Delight.

File:3-car_Xtrapolis_approaching_Camberwell_Station.jpg in 2017]]

Camberwell is well-serviced by public transport with three rail lines, three tram routes and three bus services operating throughout the suburb.

• 285: Doncaster Park & Ride – Camberwell via North Balwyn{{cite PTV route|285}}
• 612: Box Hill Central – Chadstone Shopping Centre{{cite PTV route|612}}

• 70: Waterfront City Docklands - Wattle Park{{cite PTV route|70|mode=tram}}
• 72: Melbourne University – Camberwell{{cite PTV route|72|mode=tram}}
• 75: Docklands Stadium – Vermont South{{cite PTV route|75|mode=tram}}

Camberwell is serviced by Camberwell, East Camberwell, Riversdale, Willison and Hartwell railway stations, located on the following lines:

• Alamein
• Belgrave
• Lilydale

File:Camberwell Primary School.jpg

• Camberwell Primary School
• Siena College
• St Dominic's Catholic Primary School
• Hartwell Primary School

Some schools such as Camberwell Girls Grammar School, Camberwell Grammar School and Camberwell High School bear the "Camberwell" name but are actually located in neighbouring Canterbury. Camberwell and Canterbury were once suburbs which made up the local government area City of Camberwell, which was dissolved in 1994 and amalgamated with two other LGAs to form a new LGA, the City of Boroondara.

File:Basilica Our Lady of Victories Camberwell b.jpg

Ten churches were established in the area; Camberwell South Anglican Church,{{Cite web|url=http://www.csac.org.au/im-new/|title=I'm New | Camberwell South Anglican Church|access-date=2 February 2016|archive-date=2 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202232504/http://www.csac.org.au/im-new/|url-status=live}} St Dunstan's Anglican, St John's Anglican, St Mark's Anglican, Our Lady of Victories Basilica, St Dominic's Catholic Church Salvation Army, Methodist (now Uniting), Presbyterian, Greek Orthodox, Church of Christ and Baptist. Camberwell Baptist Church was constituted in 1891 and has met on the same site in Riversdale Road, Hawthorn East, near Camberwell Junction, since its inception.{{cite book|title=100 Years of Christian Ministry in the Camberwell/Hawthorn Area|editor=A.H. Praeger |year=1991}}

Camberwell Football Club participated in the Victorian Football Association from 1926 to 1991.{{cite web|url=http://www.fullpointsfooty.net/Camberwell.htm|title=Camberwell|publisher=fullpointsfooty.net|access-date=16 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102152552/http://www.fullpointsfooty.net/Camberwell.htm|archive-date=2 January 2010|url-status=usurped}} The suburb has a junior Australian rules football team called the Camberwell Sharks, who compete in the Yarra Junior Football League.

Since October 1996 the Camberwell Magpies Cricket Club has played in the Victorian Premier Cricket competition.

• Marie Collier, soprano
• Peter Costello, Former Federal Treasurer and former MP for Higgins{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-72602319.html|title=Anti-war vigil outside treasurer's Melbourne home |date=2003-03-16|publisher= AAP General News|access-date=2009-08-11}}{{dead link|date=February 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• Sir Rupert Hamer, Victorian Premier 1971–1981
• Alf Howard, scientist and explorer
• Barry Humphries, Australian comedian, best known for his alter ego Dame Edna Everage; Humphries grew up in 36 Christowel Street, in the Golf Links Estate{{cite news|url=https://www.theage.com.au/news/arts/the-evolution-of-edna/2006/01/20/1137734144804.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|title=The evolution of Edna|date=2006-01-21|publisher=The Age, Melbourne|access-date=2009-08-11}}
• Norman Lacy, Victorian Arts and Educational Services Minister 1979–1982
• Nellie Constance Martyn, businesswoman
• Kylie Minogue and Dannii Minogue, Australian singers, were raised in nearby Surrey Hills and attended Camberwell High School.{{cite web|url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/born-today/2008/05/27/1211654020304.html|title=Born today...Kylie Minogue|date=2008-05-28|work=Brisbane Times|access-date=2009-08-11|archive-date=28 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528110147/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/born-today/2008/05/27/1211654020304.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/10/05/1159641459923.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|title=Kylietown|date=2006-10-08|publisher=The Age, Melbourne|access-date=2009-08-11|archive-date=4 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104021446/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/10/05/1159641459923.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/cgi-bin/common/popupPrintArticle.pl?path=/articles/2003/04/29/1051381946369.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209190146/http://www.smh.com.au/cgi-bin/common/popupPrintArticle.pl?path=/articles/2003/04/29/1051381946369.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 December 2012|title=Fashion victim|date=2003-04-30|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=2009-08-11}}
• Keith Murdoch, newspaper journalist, writer, editor
• Tom Mitchell, AFL player{{Cite web |title=Tom Mitchell: Hawthorn star's Camberwell childhood home for sale - realestate.com.au |url=https://www.realestate.com.au/news/tom-mitchell-hawthorn-stars-camberwell-childhood-home-for-sale/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=www.realestate.com.au |language=en |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826104539/https://www.realestate.com.au/news/tom-mitchell-hawthorn-stars-camberwell-childhood-home-for-sale/ |url-status=live }}
• Adam Plack, didgeridoo player{{cite web|url=http://artist.maestro.fm/Adam_Plack.html|title=Adam Plack|publisher=Maestro|access-date=2009-08-11|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720201322/http://artist.maestro.fm/Adam_Plack.html|archive-date=20 July 2011}}
• Geoffrey Rush, Australian actor{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/culture/rush-hour/2007/03/08/1173166864909.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|title=Rush hour|date=2007-03-08|publisher=The Age, Melbourne|access-date=2009-08-11|archive-date=4 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104021357/http://www.theage.com.au/news/culture/rush-hour/2007/03/08/1173166864909.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|url-status=live}}
• Dom Tyson, AFL footballer for the Melbourne Football Club

• City of Camberwell – Camberwell was previously within this former local government area.

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20040405101706/http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/ncas/multimedia/gazetteer/list/camberwell.html Australian Places - Camberwell]
• [https://camberwellshopping.com.au/ Camberwell Traders' Association website] - includes a business directory, articles and attractions in Camberwell, Victoria.

{{City of Boroondara suburbs}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Suburbs of Melbourne

Category:Suburbs of the City of Boroondara