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                    History

                    Historical image of Melbourne city street, showing town hall and surrounding buildings, vehicles and pedestrians
                    The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges that it is located on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation. This special place is now known by its European name of Melbourne.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Today, Melbourne is one of the great multicultural cities of the world and is a significant meeting place.

                    For the Wurundjeri, Boonerwrung, Taungurong, Djajawurrung and Wathaurung which make up the Kulin Nation, Melbourne has always been an important meeting place and location for events of social, educational, sporting and cultural significance.

                    Since its European settlement in 1835, different nationalities have migrated to Melbourne at various stages of its history and have contributed significantly to the city's growing identity.

                    Find out more about Melbourne’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and its multicultural history.​​

                    City of Melbourne and council history

                    • Building Melbourne

                      Since its founding in 1835, Melbourne has taken form from a small settlement to the vibrant city it is today.
                    • Coat of arms

                      Armorial Bearings (or arms) were first granted to the Corporation of the City by Letters Patent of the Kings of Arms, dated 30 January 1940. They were based on the device approved by the Town of Melbourne Council on 2 January 1843, for the common seal of the corporation.
                    • Council, mayor and lord mayor history

                      Melbourne City Council began as a Town Council in 1842. Since then many changes have been made to the council’s structure and the electoral arrangements for mayor, aldermen and councillors.
                    • Melbourne Town Hall history

                      Find out about the building’s history and features including the auditorium, council chambers and grand organ, and the recent renovation of the ground floor space.
                    • Parks and gardens history

                      Along with the Yarra River and the Hoddle Grid, the areas which are now parks and gardens in the City of Melbourne have had a huge part to play in the Melbourne seen today. The individual character of each park and garden is a reflection of part of Melbourne’s history.

                    Download booklet

                    ​The History of the City of Melbourne booklet provides a historical overview of the foundation of Melbourne and the creation and growth of the Melbourne City Council.

                    ​​​​It is intended for all levels or readership and aims to present a concise, factual and representative history of the City of Melbourne.​ It also aims to provide answers to the wide range of enquiries typically inspired by the affection that Melburnians and visitors to Melbourne hold for the city.

                    Did you know?
                    Many of us know Ned Kelly's story, but far fewer have heard of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, whose story reveals key aspects of Aboriginal history in Melbourne and beyond.
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