Cocoroc

In the heart of Victoria, nestled within the City of Wyndham, lies the intriguing locality of Cocoroc. Cocoroc, meaning “frog” in the language of the Wathaurung people, was once a bustling township supporting the workers of the Werribee Sewage Farm, later known as the Western Treatment Plant. Established in 1894, Cocoroc blossomed into a vibrant community, evolving from a mere six cottages to a town of 32 houses by 1897. At its peak in the 1950s, nearly 100 houses dotted the landscape, and by the 1970s, Cocoroc housed around 500 residents. This self-sufficient community fostered a strong sense of identity and pride. The Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW) provided each family with half an acre of land, enough to cultivate vegetable gardens, raise chickens and pigs, and even keep the two milking cows provided by the MMBW. The town even had its own primary school, which opened in 1895 and served the community for 77 years. The school hall was the heart of social gatherings, hosting dances, the annual school concert, and various community events. Life in Cocoroc wasn’t without its challenges. Work on the sewage farm was arduous, relying on horse-drawn ploughs and scoops until the arrival of the prized Caterpillar and the eventual introduction of lagoon treatment and mechanization in the mid-1950s. Even children contributed, collecting wood or milking cows before and after school. Despite the demanding labor and social stigma associated with working on a sewage farm, Cocoroc residents transformed these challenges into a source of unity. This solidarity was embodied by their football team, the Herefords, named after the farm’s cattle. Cocoroc’s thriving social scene revolved around the town hall, built in 1903. It served as a library and hosted Saturday night dances, Monday night euchre games, wedding receptions, and other celebrations. Unfortunately, the hall burned down in 1924 but was rebuilt and relocated in 1975. Another remarkable landmark is the heritage-listed water tower, originally erected in East Melbourne in 1854. Dismantled and moved to Cocoroc in 1892, it provided a backup water supply until the town’s connection to mains water in 1925. After years of neglect, the tower was restored and now serves as an interpretive center, showcasing Cocoroc’s rich history. Sadly, the MMBW holds limited records of Cocoroc’s vibrant past. As Melbourne’s needs changed, Cocoroc’s fate was sealed. Deemed too expensive to maintain, the township was abandoned in 1974, with the last family departing in 1980. Today, Cocoroc stands as a ghost town, a poignant reminder of a once-thriving community. Only a few structures remain, including the town hall, the water tower, two empty swimming pools, and a sports pavilion. These remnants whisper tales of a bygone era, inviting us to reflect on the lives and legacies of those who called Cocoroc home.