Population 12,121 (2006 census) State electorate(s) Geelong Postal code 3218 Federal division Division of Corio | Postcode(s) 3218 Geelong West Geelong CBD Local time Saturday 10:37 PM | |
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LGA(s) City of Greater Geelong Weather 18°C, Wind E at 6 km/h, 87% Humidity | ||
Geelong West is a commercial and residential suburb of Geelong, Victoria, Australia. When Geelong was founded, the area was known as Kildare but its name was changed to Geelong West in 1875. The main street is Pakington Street.
Contents
- Map of Geelong West VIC 3218 Australia
- History
- Heritage listed sites
- Notable people
- Pako Festa
- Sport
- References
Map of Geelong West VIC 3218, Australia
History
Ashby was once a suburb of Geelong located in the area of Geelong West, west of Latrobe Terrace, between Aberdeen Street and Church Street. By 1850 this area had become known as Little Scotland, and Kildare. At this point, Ashby referred to the area between Autumn Street and Waratah Street.
In 1875 the entire Ashby area was renamed West Geelong. The Ashby state school, which had only opened that same year, changed its name to Geelong West. In 1988, as part of Australia's bicentennial celebrations, the school changed its name back to Ashby. A Post Office named Geelong West opened on 1 July 1865 but was replaced and renamed Geelong North Railway Station in 1886. On 1 April 1887 the Geelong West office reopened near its present location. In 1960 Shandeen Post Office opened near the corner of Aberdeen Road and Shannon Avenue.
Geelong West was served by an electric tramway service from 1912 until 1956, when the service was replaced by buses subcontracted out to Benders Buslines (currently owned by Kefford Corporation).
The M. Donaghy & Sons ropeworks factory was once located in Pakington Street, Geelong West. The site has been developed, with construction of a Woolworths Supermarket and space for specialty shops.
Heritage listed sites
Geelong West contains a number of heritage listed sites, including:
Notable people
Journalist and publisher J. F. Archibald was born in Geelong West in 1856. A memorial bust was erected on the corner of Weddell Road and Church St in 1956. .
Pako Festa
The Pako Festa is an annual festival held in Pakington Street, Geelong West each year around late February. In 2006 it was held on 25 February. The festival is held to promote cultural diversity and show appreciation for the artwork and fashion designed by citizens of the Geelong area. This is a great family event that happens yearly and is highly recommended to all who could make it.
Sport
The suburb has an Australian rules football team competing in the Geelong Football League and a team competing in the Geelong & District Football League.