Nestled amidst the sprawling suburbs of Melbourne, Laverton whispers tales of a vibrant past. Laverton’s history stretches back to 1886. Land sales in the “new and model suburb” were promoted by Staples Wise and Company. The railway station, a pivotal point in Laverton’s early development, became the first stop beyond Newport on the Geelong line that same year.
Laverton wasn’t always a bustling suburb. It began as a pastoral run, settled by Alfred Langhorne in 1836. Years later, the sound of planes filled the air as the Royal Australian Air Force established the RAAF Williams Laverton Base here. This base, opened in 1921, became a significant landmark, even earning its own railway station named “Aircraft.”
The base played a crucial role in shaping the community. After World War II, a housing boom brought young families to the area, creating a neighborhood affectionately known as the “Cabbage Patch.” Imagine rows of low fences, less than a meter high, fostering a sense of shared community. While these original fences have mostly been replaced due to council regulations, the memory of that close-knit community persists. The airfield itself was decommissioned in 1996 and transformed into the suburb of Williams Landing.
Laverton’s heart beats beyond its military history. The Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre, originally the Laverton Memorial Swimming Pool, opened in June 1976. It stands as a testament to community spirit, funded by residents and the Werribee Shire Council. Though a WWII memorial plaque was once lost or stolen, a replacement ensures the continuation of remembrance. Laverton boasts other community hubs like the Woods Street Art Space and The Hub Community Centre, alongside emerging restaurants and cafes catering to a growing population. Sports enthusiasts can find their haven at the Melbourne Ballpark, home to the Melbourne Aces and several national baseball events.
Today, Laverton remains well-connected. Two train stations, Aircraft and Laverton, link it to the Werribee railway line. A network of roads, including the Princes Freeway, provides easy access. The completion of a bridge at Aircraft station in 2019 improved traffic flow, and future plans aim to reroute traffic from Point Cook Road. Laverton is a suburb on the rise, evolving yet retaining echoes of its past. From its pastoral beginnings to its air force legacy, Laverton offers a unique blend of history and modern life, right here in the heart of Melbourne.