Here in the southeastern outskirts of Melbourne sits the Shire of Cardinia. It is a place of contrasts. From Western Port to the Yarra Ranges, Cardinia offers a unique blend of rural charm and suburban growth.
The Shire of Cardinia came into being on December 15 1994. This was the result of statewide local government reform. The Shire of Pakenham merged with rural sections of the Shire of Sherbrooke and the City of Cranbourne.
Before this Cardinia’s areas were part of the Cranbourne and Berwick districts. These were incorporated in 1860 and 1862 respectively. The Shire of Fern Tree Gully later Shire of Sherbrooke split away in 1889. In 1973 the City of Berwick split from the Shire of Berwick. The remainder was renamed Shire of Pakenham.
Cardinia Shire Council is divided into nine wards. These are Beacon Hills Bunyip Central Henty Officer Pakenham Hills Ranges Toomuc and Westernport. Elections are held every four years. Each ward has one councillor.
Before October 2020 the shire had three wards. These were Central Ranges and Port. The Council moved to a new office on Siding Avenue Officer on November 17 2014. The Council holds its meetings there. All the administration staff work there too. The previous location of the council was in Henty Way Pakenham.
The indigenous people used this land for thousands of years. They are the Bunurong people. In the northern part of the shire they mixed with the Wurundjeri people. They were known as the Kulin Nation people. They shared a common language and sacred sites.
The name Cardinia itself comes from the Indigenous language. It means sunrise. Other place names like Koo Wee Rup Lang Lang and Yannathan also have Indigenous origins.
The pastoral era began with the arrival of squatters in the late 1830s. By the early 20th century most of the land in Cardinia Shire had been taken up. This was particularly after the draining of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp. This opened the land for agriculture.
Cardinia Shire thrived from the late 19th century. Major industries were stimulated by the construction of rail lines from the 1870s. Industries included dairying orchards and timber felling.
Pakenham emerged as the major township by the mid-1960s. From the 1970s Pakenham began to show aspects of a commuter suburb of Melbourne.
Today Cardinia Shire retains a rural and semi-rural character. Farming remains a major land use. The tourist industry is also important.
Cardinia Shire’s history is rich and diverse. It reflects the many layers of settlement and land use. From the indigenous heritage to the pastoral era and beyond Cardinia has a unique story to tell. It is a story of growth change and community. As you explore Cardinia take a moment to appreciate its past. Consider the people who shaped this place. Think about the future of this vibrant community.