Preston District

Tucked away in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, the Preston District whispers stories of a vibrant past. Preston District wasn’t always known as Preston. Early settlers, primarily farmers, called it “Irishtown.” In 1850, Edward Wood, an Englishman from Sussex, established a store at the intersection of High Street and what is now Wood Street. This store became the first post office, and the name changed. The Baptist Church members, including Wood, chose “Preston” after a village near their former home in Sussex, England. Preston Post Office officially opened its doors on March 1, 1856. Preston District in the 1860s boasted a small community of around 200 people. They were served by five hotels, three of which still exist today: The Preston Hotel (established in 1856), The Junction (1861), and the nearby Rose Shamrock in Reservoir (1854). The arrival of a railway line in 1889, connecting Collingwood to Whittlesea, further solidified Preston District’s identity. The line included stations at Bell Street, Regent Street, Reservoir, and a central station in Preston. The late 19th century saw Preston District promoted as a desirable residential area. With plentiful land and new railway connections, it was marketed as capable of supporting a population of 20,000. This campaign proved successful, as Preston District’s population nearly doubled between 1887 and 1891, increasing from 2,000 to 3,600 residents. Preston District, initially reliant on agriculture, saw a surge in urban growth in the 1920s. The catalyst was a direct rail link to Flinders Street in 1904, later electrified in 1926, and a tram line to Melbourne’s central business district in 1920. Preston District’s industrial capacity expanded with the construction of the Preston Workshops in 1925 by the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board. By 1926, Preston had been officially designated a city. Preston District also played a role in both World Wars. Two residents were awarded the Victoria Cross: Bruce Kingsbury and William Ruthven, whose names now grace local areas. Today, Preston District within the City of Darebin offers a diverse range of experiences. It is a blend of history, industry, residential areas, and cultural influences, a testament to its rich and evolving story.