Perhaps you’ve heard of a suburb named after a Prime Minister? That’s Chifley. It sits 13 km south-east of Sydney’s central business district. We are now in the heart of this residential area.
Chifley is a tribute to Ben Chifley. He was Australia’s Labor Prime Minister at the end of World War II. Before 1964, this area was part of southern Matraville. Randwick Council decided to make it a separate suburb.
Imagine Chifley in the 1960s. A large public housing complex appeared. There were four and five-storey buildings. Some smaller buildings had bedsit-style accommodation. Lounge and bedroom were in one room.
Today, Chifley is mostly residential. Low to medium-density housing is common here. Many families with children call Chifley home. Older houses are being replaced. Larger and taller family homes are being built. Townhouses are also increasing in number.
Let’s talk about education. Chifley has two schools. One is Chifley Public School. The other is Matraville Sports High School. There are also several preschool centres here.
If you’re looking for recreation, Chifley offers a few options. Visit the Women’s Athletic Field for some outdoor fun. Or relax at Dr Walters Park on Mawson Parade.
Did you know Chifley has a special natural area? The western edge has a remnant of Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub. This was once the major flora habitat in coastal Sydney. Efforts are underway to protect this area.
As we look around, consider Chifley’s surroundings. Nearby, you’ll find Long Bay Correctional Centre. Also close is Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park. And don’t forget Bunnerong Equestrian Park.
In 2021, the census recorded 3490 people living in Chifley. About 4.0% were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The most common ancestries were Australian, English, Irish, Chinese, and Scottish. Over 66% of people were born in Australia. Most people speak only English at home. Many residents identify as Catholic, followed by those with no religion and then Anglicans.
The story of Chifley is one of gradual growth. It evolved from Crown land leases during the Depression. It became a distinct suburb named after a significant leader. Today, Chifley is a thriving residential community. It balances urban living with natural preservation. As we leave Chifley, remember its history. Think about its present. Imagine its future.