Beaconsfield, Victoria
Beaconsfield is a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 44 km (27 mi) south-east of Melbourne's Central Business District, located within the Shire of Cardinia and City of Casey local government areas. Beaconsfield recorded a population of 6,714 at the 2016 Census.[1]
Beaconsfield Melbourne, Victoria | |||||||||||||||
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Old Princes Hwy, Beaconsfield. Facing the war cenotaph and behind it, the Old Post Office (white weatherboard building). | |||||||||||||||
Beaconsfield | |||||||||||||||
Coordinates | 38.049°S 145.371°E | ||||||||||||||
Population | 6,714 (2016 census)[1] | ||||||||||||||
Postcode(s) | 3807 | ||||||||||||||
Elevation | 102 m (335 ft) | ||||||||||||||
Location | |||||||||||||||
LGA(s) | Shire of Cardinia, City of Casey | ||||||||||||||
State electorate(s) | Gembrook | ||||||||||||||
Federal Division(s) | La Trobe | ||||||||||||||
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The suburb has its own railway station.
History
The area was named after Benjamin Disraeli (Lord Beaconsfield).[2]
Beaconsfield Post Office opened on 7 October 1878 and the original weatherboard building still stands. Beaconsfield Railway Station Post Office opened on 1 January 1883.
In 1891 Beaconsfield was renamed Beaconsfield Upper and around 1902 the Beaconsfield Railway Station was renamed to "Beaconsfield".[3]
Facilities
The suburb has some small shopping centres such as "Beaconsfield Shopping Plaza" with shops such as an Aldi, Woolworths, bakeries, a post office, chemist, cafés and takeaway food shops, and the nearby "Beaconsfield Hub". Schools include Beaconsfield Primary, and St Francis Xavier College (Beaconsfield Campus). There are many cafés, restaurants and hairdressers around the commercial shopping area. The Beaconsfield CFA (Country Fire Authority) has their fire station in Woods Street.
The Akoonah Park Market is held every Sunday, and is very popular with local Berwick and Beaconsfield shoppers.
Historical Places of Interest
War cenotaph located on the corner of Woods Street and Old Princes Highway. It was unveiled in 1920.
Old Post Office built in 1889, is located on Woods Street, near the War Cenotaph. It is currently a restaurant.[4]
Railway house built in 1888, near Beaconsfield Train Station. The large bunya bunya pine to the front of the property is listed as a significant tree.
Shipwatcher's lookout is marked by a large granite rock and plaque, on the side of Cooinda Road.
Parks
Beaconsfield Flora and Fauna Reserve on the Beaconsfield Emerald Road.
Beaconsfield Park located on the corner of Beaconsfield Emerald Road and the Old Princes Highway.
Berwick Views Wetlands beside Beaconsfield Emerald Road and Fieldstone Boulevard
Bob Burgess Reserve on Old Princes Highway, and is opposite Beaconsfield Park.
Jim Parkes Reserve on the corner of Souter and Horner Street.
Kath Roberts Reserve on Kathleen Court.
Sports clubs
The town has an Australian Rules football club and a netball club that compete in the South East Football Netball League.
There is also a cricket club and a tennis club.
Community
Although close to the nowadays much more bustling Berwick, the area has retained a friendly, country Australia type feeling within the community. The Beaconsfield Progress Association, who publish the "Beaconsfield Banner", and other such community groups, help contribute to this community spirit.
Beaconsfield is affectionately called "Beacy" by locals.
Notable people
- Vanessa Amorosi – professional singer who had several Top 40 chart hits.
- Len Maddocks – former Australian cricketer.
- Brendan Fevola – Australian rules footballer.
- Austinn Jones – Australian rules footballer.
- Chris Newman - Australian rules footballer.
See also
- Shire of Pakenham – Beaconsfield was previously within this former local government area.
- Beaconsfield railway station
References
- Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "2016 Community Profiles: Beaconsfield (State Suburb)". 2016 Census of Population and Housing. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
- Beaumont, Early Days of Berwick 1979 p.112
- Premier Postal History, Post Office List, retrieved 11 April 2008
- "O.MY Restaurant | Beaconsfield". O.MY Restaurant. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
External links
- Australian Places – Beaconsfield
- Beaconsfield Progress Association, Inc.
- Beaconsfield Primary
- St Francis Xavier College
- Beaconsfield Pharmacy
- Beaconsfield Tennis Club
- Beaconsfield Cricket Club
- Beaconsfield Football Club
- Beaconsfield Fitness Centre
- Beaconsfield Hub
- The Medical Clinic
- Akoonah Park Market