Airport West

Airport West is a beautiful suburb located in the northwestern region of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The suburb's name comes from its proximity to the Essendon International Airport. It is situated approximately 11 km away from Melbourne's central business district. The suburb has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The Original Inhabitants The suburb was originally inhabited by the Wurundjeri people, who were the traditional owners of the land. These people were hunter-gatherers, and they relied on the plains and riverside for their livelihood. The Arrival of Europeans In the 1830s, the European settlers arrived in the area and established farms in the surrounding regions. During this time, the Airport West region formed a part of the Keilor Parish. In the 1850s, the population grew rapidly due to the discovery of gold in Victoria. The gold rush resulted in the establishment of many towns across the state. The nearest town to the Airport West region was Essendon. The First World War During the First World War, the Keilor Shire Council was created to help with the recruitment of soldiers for the war. The council took charge of the Essendon aerodrome, which was used to train air force personnel during the war. After the war, it was handed over to the Victorian government. The Essendon Airport In 1921, the Victorian government established the Essendon Airport, which was the first airport in Australia. Initially, the airport was used for military purposes, but it was later opened to the public. The airport became an important landmark in the area and attracted a lot of people to the region. The Second World War During the Second World War, the Essendon airport was used as a military base by the Australian and American forces. The Army developed many barracks, huts, and other facilities within the airport. The airport played a vital role in the war effort. After the war, the airport returned to commercial use. The Growth of the Suburb The 1950s and 1960s saw significant growth in the Airport West region. Many young families moved into the area, drawn by the affordable housing and the proximity to the airport. The airport also attracted many businesses to the area, which provided employment opportunities. The suburb became a thriving commercial and residential hub. Modern Airport West Today, Airport West is a well-established suburb with a population of about 7,000 people. It boasts several shopping centers, schools, and health facilities. The airport remains a significant landmark in the area, contributing to the region's economy. The suburb continues to grow, and more people are drawn to the area every year. Conclusion Airport West has a rich history and has evolved from a farming region to a thriving commercial and residential hub. The suburb's proximity to the Essendon Airport has played a significant role in its growth and has attracted businesses and residents to the area. Today, Airport West is a bustling suburb with a bright future, and it continues to attract people from all over Melbourne and beyond.