The Making of Melbourne

Melbourne is often described as one of the ‘world’s most liveable cities’. What makes Melbourne such a vibrant city and how did it get there? Did you know that the siting of the Melbourne CBD is actually related to ancient volcanic eruptions? The geology and natural environment around Melbourne provided the Indigenous clans of the eastern Kulin nation access to fresh water and proximity to the coastal and wetland resources that were central to their annual cycle of movements around their ancestral homeland for at least 30,000 years. These resources also made the area an ideal “Site for a Village” by European settlers who ‘founded’ the city in 1835. Since that time, Melbourne has undergone profound changes in its population, prosperity, cultural diversity, infrastructure and natural resources. Establishment of the city had a devastating impact on the Indigenous inhabitants and also became almost unliveable during periods of its history. What is happening now, or is being planned, to recognise this history and ensure the sustainability of our city into the future?