Carrum Downs, Victoria

Carrum Downs Melbourne, Victoria
Carrum Downs
Coordinates	38°05′46″S 145°10′41″E / 38.096°S 145.178°E / -38.096; 145.178Coordinates: 38°05′46″S 145°10′41″E / 38.096°S 145.178°E / -38.096; 145.178
Population	17,213 (2006)[1]
• Density	882.7/km2 (2,286/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	3201
Area	19.5 km2 (7.5 sq mi)
Location	36 km (22 mi) from Melbourne 7 km (4 mi) from Frankston
LGA(s)	City of Frankston
State electorate(s)	Carrum
Federal Division(s)	Isaacs
Suburbs around Carrum Downs: Patterson Lakes Sandhurst Lyndhurst Seaford Carrum Downs Skye Seaford Frankston North Langwarrin

Views of the Dandenong Ranges from Carrum Downs.

Carrum Downs is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 36 km south-east from Melbourne's central business district. Its local government area is the City of Frankston. At the 2006 Census, Carrum Downs had a population of 17,213.

Prior to December 1994 the majority of Carrum Downs was within the City of Cranbourne. However, after statewide local government reform, the suburb was moved to be part of a new, larger City of Frankston

In late 2006, RealEstatesource compiled a list of the top ten performing suburbs in Melbourne, Carrum Downs was ranked fourth with property showing a 94.4% median value increase since the real estate market's 'peak' of 2001.^[2] In January 2008, the 'Your Investment Property' periodical published an article on Carrum Downs, predicting an increased demand for residential and commercial property in the area,^[3] following the completion of the Eastlink project in June 2008.

History

Karrum Karrum

Before European settlers arrived at Port Phillip, Aborigines resting after the stiff climb of Oliver's Hill, Frankston, and looking north along the bay would have viewed a long ribbon of sandy beach shaped vaguely like a boomerang. The area was called Karrum Karrum, or as some of the early squatters interpreted it, Garem Gam, meaning "Boomerang". The swampy marshland behind the sand dunes was a rich hunting ground teeming with wildlife.^[4]

Carrum Swamp

The Carrum Swamp measured approximately 15 km from north to south, and averaged about 5 km across from east to west. It was up to 8 km wide at the northern end. The high lands visible in the swamp were the Isles of Wannarkladdin, now Chelsea Heights. The swampland with its dense growth of swamp tea-tree and other vegetation was covered for the most part by the waters from the Dandenong, Eumemmerring, and other smaller creeks, with a total catchment area of approximately 430 km², with the present townships of Langwarrin, Cranbourne, Berwick, Belgrave, Ferntree Gully, Olinda, Lilydale, Croydon and Ringwood forming its perimeter. Some of the waters eventually flowed through marshy country to the Mordialloc Creek or through to the Kananook Creek which flowed into the bay at Frankston.^[4][5]

The Carrum Swamp together with the larger Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp made a formidable barrier against the early explorers and land seekers in the early days.

The birth of Carrum - allotments on the Long Beach

The first survey of the Carrum swamp was made by T. E. Rawlinson, and completed by 2 January 1866. The only sign of European habitation reported by Rawlinson was a fisherman's cottage occupied by John Watkins and his family near the present Watkins Grove, Aspendale. The survey between the swamp and the sea resulted in Mr Callinan, the State’s assistant surveyor, dividing the area into 18 allotments stretching from the Mordialloc Creek to the present Keast Park, Seaford. The land was referred to as the "Allotments on the Long Beach", the first sales taking place at Semmell McCaul & Co’s Auction Rooms at Collins Street, Melbourne, on 22 December 1865. The upset price was $6 per acre. Most of the land sold went to investors, but some development did take place near the already established fishing village of Mordialloc. Carrum Downs Post Office finally opened on 1 November 1909.^[6]

The land sold on the swamp side was bought by Hugh Brown who built his home "Pine Vale" near the site of the Mordialloc High School which was part of his property. He was 40 years a Councillor of the Shire of Dandenong and served as President of the Shire. He was famous for his "Carrum" potatoes which were sent to several States. When Hugh Brown started farming there were still wild cattle roaming the swamplands from the original squatting days of the later 1830s to the 1850s.^[4]

The first settlement

During the Great Depression, the Brotherhood of St Laurence built a settlement at Carrum Downs to provide food and shelter to suffering families. After World War II, the suburb was gradually redeveloped as a Village for aged persons.^[7]

Botany Park and the redevelopment of Botany Bush

A small section of Carrum Downs is sometimes referred to by locals as "Botany Park", based on the name of a housing estate built during the late 1970s and early 1980s. In the first major development of its type in the area, land was subdivided into generous lots between the southern and northern perimeters of Ballarto and Hall Roads. The generous land allottments, affordability and proximity to Frankston attracted families to the suburb. Development was conducted by AV Jennings, which financed and built prominent signage reading 'Botany Park' on the corner of Ballarto Road and Lyrebird Drive. The signage remains, although weather degradation and graffiti have degraded its appearance. During the early 1990s, the South Western quarter between Ballarto and Frankston-Dandenong Roads was known as 'Botany Bush'. The area was redeveloped into housing during the late 1990s.

Architecture

The suburb is a mixture of modern low scale dwellings with generous garden frontage and low scale fencing. During the 1990s, a large catchment of land remained as public park space, although this has subsequently been developed into housing. Housing construction continues in the suburb.

Retail areas

The Carrum Downs Regional Shopping Centre

Carrum Downs is serviced by three shopping precincts, with a fourth bordering the suburb in neighbouring Seaford. The Carrum Downs Regional Shopping Centre is located on Hall Road in the centre of the suburb and is home to banks, a Woolworths Supermarket, a Post Office, chemist, newsagency plus 40 other shops including liquor shops, clothing stores, fast food outlets, restaurants and real estate agents. During 2014 a smaller format Bunnings store has opened to combat the opening of Masters just down the road while a full Bunnings Warehouse is under construction nearby to open during 2015. In early 2015 development began at the eastern end of the shopping centre of a substantial extension housing a KMart speciality store.

During October and November 2014 a McDonald's store was being constructed on a section of the car park fronting Hall Road.

The Local Village @ Carrum Downs is located on the Dandenong-Frankston Road and comprises approximately 12 shops including an IGA supermarket, cafe, bakery, newsagency, salon and pharmacy. Directly opposite the precinct is another small retail / business park.

The third shopping precinct which opened in 2008 and remains partially vacant, is located on the corner of McCormicks Road and Ballarto Road in the south of the suburb and includes 22 specialty shops as well as a Coles supermarket.

Schools

• There are four preschools in Carrum Downs at Botany Park, Bowerbird, Rowellyn and William Road.
• Primary school education is provided at Banyan Fields Primary School (previously Carrum Downs Primary), Rowellyn Park Primary, Skye, St Joachim's primary (a catholic faith school) and Flinders Christian College (a non-denominational Christian school).
• Secondary education is provided at Carrum Downs Secondary College http://www.cdsc.vic.edu.au (a government school), Flinders Christian College (a non-denominational Christian school), Patterson River Secondary College and Mount Eliza High School
• Tertiary level training can be undertaken at the Monash University Peninsula campus, Institute of TAFE in nearby Frankston.

Health services

Carrum Downs is serviced by three medical centres, two dental clinics, three pharmacies and a physiotherapy clinic. Hospital facilities are provided at nearby Frankston, about 10 minutes away.

The first large-scale General Practice medical service, the Carrum Downs Medical Centre, opened operations in Hall Rd in 1989. The medical centre moved into a substantial new 1000 m² facility in December 2014. The site on which the medical centre operates is newly named the Carrum Downs Health Precinct, and comprises pathology and radiology services, retail pharmacy, dental services, a multi- disciplinary allied health service incorporating physiotherapy and a retail gymnasium, and a primary care skin cancer medical service in addition to the preexisting large general medical practice.

Transportation

• Rail: Carrum Downs has no direct access to rail services. The closest rail links are the Kananook and Seaford stations on the Frankston line, both approximately 12 minutes (by car) from the centre of Carrum Downs, or the Merinda Park and Cranbourne stations on the Cranbourne line, both approximately 16 minutes away.

• Bus: Carrum Downs is serviced by two local bus routes.

• Road: Carrum Downs provides easy access to two major arterial roads. To the East of Carrum Downs, the Western Port Highway provides connectivity to Melbourne City in the north (via the South Gippsland Freeway and the Monash Freeway). In a southerly direction, the Western Port Highway leads to the Port of Hastings. To the West of Carrum Downs is the Nepean Highway, which runs south from Melbourne city to Portsea on the Mornington Peninsula, along the eastern shores of Port Phillip Bay. Also to the west is the Frankston Freeway, which travels from Chelsea Heights in the north to the Mornington Peninsula in the south. Carrum Downs is also close to the Eastlink Tollway, which opened on 29 June 2008. This runs from Rutherford Road in Carrum Downs (with travel further south provided by the Frankston Freeway) to Donvale in Melbourne's north east. Eastlink connects with the Monash Freeway and should reduce travelling time and distance to the City of Melbourne. Development of EastLink has led to strong commercial and industrial growth in Carrum Downs alongside the route of the EastLink.^[8] Peninsula Link provides a freeway from the Eastlink/Frankston Freeway interchange, through Carrum Downs and then south to link with the Mornington Peninsula Freeway at Mount Martha. Since opening, Peninsula link has shortened travel times from Carrum Downs to Safety Beach on the Peninsula by about 20 minutes.

Community services

• The Lyrebird Community Centre is located in Carrum Downs. The Carrum Downs Community Centre was established in 1988 and was located in the GK Tucker Village as part of the Brotherhood of St Laurence. The centre consisted of two small cottages: one for child minding activities and the other housing the Centre Manager. In 1994, the Centre amalgamated to become the Lyrebird Community Centre and moved to its current location in Lyrebird Drive. During 2003, the Centre was renovated into a large modern complex.^[9]
• Carrum Downs offers Library Services via the Carrum Downs Library.^[10]
• A local branch of the Salvation Army operates within Carrum Downs.^[11]
• The 1st Carrum Downs Scout Group are based at the Recreation Reserve and run Cub Scouts, Joey Scouts, Scouts and Venturers.
• The Rotary Club of Seaford-Carrum Downs meets Tuesdays, 7.00pm, at The Sands Hotel, cnr Hall Road and Cadles Road, Carrum Downs.

Parks and Reserves

The Rotary Park at Carrum Downs

Carrum Downs has access to three public parks:

• Banyan Reserve, which includes a sports oval and a children's playground.
• Rotary Park, which includes barbecue facilities and a children's playground.
• Sandfield Reserve, which includes a children's playground, and skate park facilities.

In addition, there are several other wooded reserve areas which the public are allowed to walk through, and many of the housing developments feature public grassed areas and children's play facilities.

Sport and Fitness

Tennis courts at the Recreation Reserve

• Football: The Skye Bombers play their home games at the Recreation Reserve on Wedge Road.
• Angling: The Sands Angling Club have their headquarters at the Recreation Reserve.
• Auskick: (A modified version of football for 5 - 12 year olds) The Rowellyn Park/Carrum Downs Auskick team plays its games at Banyan Reserve.
• Baseball: The Carrum Downs Baseball Club has junior and senior teams and plays its games at the Botany Park Reserve on Lyrebird Drive.
• Clay Target: The Frankston Clay Target Shooting Club is located on Rossiter Road in Carrum Downs, as is the Victorian Field & Game Association.
• Cricket: The Carrum Downs cricket club is based at the Recreation Reserve on Wedge Road.
• Driving: A variety of driving training courses (including defensive driving and motorcycle training) are held at DECA training on Thompson Road.
• Gymnasium: There are two fitness centres in Carrum Downs, located on Frankston-Dandenong Rd and a ladies only fitness centre located on Hall Rd.
• Paintball: Paintball Carrum Downs is located on Highview Road and features a 50-acre (200,000 m²) paintball field.
• Soccer: Skye United Soccer Club plays at neighbouring Skye at the Recreation Reserve
• Tennis: Facilities are available at the Carrum Downs Tennis Club at the Recreation Reserve on Wedge Road. There are four acrylic hard courts which replaced the two synthetic grass courts and two asphalt courts in 2006.

Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple

The Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple at Carrum Downs

Carving on the doors of Shiva Vishnu Temple

The Shri Shiva Vishnu Hindu Temple is located in this suburb. This temple is the largest Hindu temple in Victoria. Worship at the temple is centred around Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, the presiding deities of two dominant streams in the Hindu ritualistic tradition. The temple attempts to bring the two streams together and provide a synthesis. Many Hindus residing in Melbourne worship there and is most popularly known for holding the annual Hindu festivals of Holi and Diwali.^[12]

In popular culture

In 2013, Carrum Downs became world famous for the location of the viral video "I'm Just Waiting For My Mate". The video was filmed in the carpark of the local Coles Supermarket, and was first shown in 2008 on the Australian Reality TV Show Highway Patrol.

Local politics

State politics

Since the state election on 29 November 2014, The suburb of Carrum Downs has been represented by the Labor MP Sonya Kilkenny in Victoria's Legislative Assembly. The current MLC's for the South Eastern Metropolitan Region include; Gavin Jennings (ALP), Gordon Rich-Phillips (LIB), Adem Somyurek (ALP), Inga Peulich (LIB) and Nina Springle (AG). The suburb of Carrum Downs falls within the Legislative Assembly's District of Carrum.

Members for Carrum:

Federal politics

Carrum Downs falls within the Federal lower house Electorate of Isaacs. Carrum Down's current federal MP is Labor's shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus who has held the position since 2007. The Division of Isaacs is considered a safe Labor seat.

See also

• City of Frankston - the local government area of which Carrum Downs is a part
• List of Frankston people - notable people from the City of Frankston (including Carrum Downs)
• City of Cranbourne - the former local government area which included part of Carrum Downs
• City of Springvale - the former local government area which included part of Carrum Downs

References

External links

• Local Bendigo Bank branch
• Lyrebird Community Centre website
• Shiva Vishnu temple Melbourne website