Wondering where the heart of community beats in this part of the Dandenong Ranges? That would be Belgrave South. It is a suburb of Greater Melbourne. Belgrave South sits 37 km south-east from Melbourne’s central business district.
Belgrave South recorded a population of 1670 at the 2021 census. Envision this small town nestled in the foothills. It is bordered by Belgrave, Belgrave Heights, Lysterfield, Narre Warren East and Selby.
Let’s journey back in time. The Post Office here first opened on September 20 1920. Back then, it was known as South Belgrave. The name changed to Belgrave South in 1923. Sadly, it closed on May 27 1977.
Belgrave South also faced a terrible disaster. In February 1983, the Ash Wednesday fires swept through. Within the Belgrave South and Heights and Upper Beaconsfield area 238 houses were destroyed. A heartbreaking 21 lives were lost.
Now, let’s talk about the heart of Belgrave South, the primary school. Belgrave South Primary School opened in 1907. It remains the main primary school. Children from Belgrave South, Belgrave Heights, Narre Warren East, and much of Belgrave attend here. Currently about 250 students attend.
There is a natural wonder. Belgrave South is home to the Baluk Willam Nature Conservation Reserve. It spans 67.5 hectares. This reserve is a significant flora habitat. Over 70 orchid species thrive here. The Friends of Baluk Willam support and maintain this special place.
For sports enthusiasts, Belgrave South has its own Australian Rules football team. It is named South Belgrave. They compete in the Eastern Football League. The team spent much of its time in the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League. They proudly took home the Second Division flag in 1996. Due to league expansion in 2007 they moved leagues. They once sported St Kilda style guernseys. In 2008, the club switched to a black strip with a red and white “V”.
So, Belgrave South may be small. But it offers a rich history, a strong community spirit and natural beauty. From its early days as South Belgrave to its resilience after the Ash Wednesday fires. From its dedicated primary school to the unique Baluk Willam Reserve. Belgrave South has many stories to tell.