Mitcham ( ) is an eastern suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 20 km east from Melbourne's Central Business District, located within the City of Whitehorse local government area. Mitcham recorded a population of 16,795 at the 2021 census. From its settlement in the 1860s, the Mitcham area was generally used for orchards, brickmaking and pottery. Mitcham Post Office opened on 1 June 1884.

From its settlement in the 1860s, the Mitcham area was generally used for orchards, brickmaking and pottery.

A Heatherdale Post Office opened in 1948 and closed in 1971. The Mitcham North Post Office opened in 1960.

However, since the 1950s post war expansion, Mitcham has become a suburban area.

Demographics

In the 2021 census the population of Mitcham was 16,795, approximately 51.6% female and 48.4% male.

The median/average age of the people in Mitcham is 39 years of age.

Mitcham has one railway station; Mitcham, which are on the Belgrave and Lilydale railway lines.

There are a number of bus routes, which link the suburb to surrounding areas. Many of these connect with Mitcham railway station.

Attractions

thumb|right|Schwerkolt Cottage

Schwerkolt Cottage is a pioneer cottage (circa 1880s), near the Yarran Dheran bushland park. The cottage and other buildings are now a local history museum. The cottage is surrounded by 2.25 hectares of gardens and bushland. The stone cottage has been restored to its original condition and furnished in a style of the period. The Opening Hours; Weekends and Public Holidays, 2.00pm-5.00pm and Group Tours by appointment on weekdays only.

Schools

  • Antonio Park Primary School
  • Mitcham Primary School
  • Rangeview Primary School
  • Mullauna College
  • St Johns Catholic Primary School

Movie history

Mitcham was a filming location for the world's first feature film, The Story of the Kelly Gang, which used the suburb in key scenes for the 1906 movie.

Sport

The suburb has two Australian Rules football teams: the Mitcham Tigers, competing in the Eastern Football League. and the Mitcham Eagles, who compete in the Saturday Football League. Their home ground is at Heatherdale Reserve.

The Mitcham Connection

Mitcham was the home of comedian Dave O'Neil, The Volvos musicians Heynes Arms & AC Fanta, Sforzando lead vocalist, poet and writer Quincy Hall, actor brothers Brett and Trevor Lewis, playwright Sandra Long, writer Michael McArthur, director James McArthur, sculptor Joanne Mott and abstract artist 'Egghatch'. These and other Mitcham-raised artists have become collectively known as the Mitcham Connection. During the 1996 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, several of the Mitcham Connection artists, namely Sandra Long, the McArthur brothers and Quincy Hall, collaborated with several other playwrights and stage directors to produce the extraordinary show To Go at Something Bald-Headed. The show was composed of four plays, including The Harry Blade Show, featuring AC Fanta, Torquil Neilson and Anthony Rive. The show was officially launched by Democrats Senator Lyn Allison.

Notable people

  • Alan Barelli - AFL Player
  • Chris Crewther - Politician
  • Steve Darmody – rugby league player
  • Sforzando vocalist Quincy Hall – singer, poet and writer
  • Blake Hardwick - AFL Player
  • Jessica Humble - Soccer Player
  • Abel Kay - Tennis Player
  • Jim Keogh - AFL Player
  • Kelvin Moore - AFL Player
  • Dave O'Neil – comedian
  • Bob Pratt - AFL Player
  • Herb Sawatzky - AFL Player
  • Felicity Wishart - conservationist and environmental activist
  • Jack Zander - AFL Player

See also

  • City of Doncaster and Templestowe – Parts of Mitcham were previously within this former local government area.
  • City of Nunawading – Parts of Mitcham were previously within this former local government area.
  • Heatherdale - A neighbourhood in Mitcham with its own train station.

References

  • Schwerkolt Cottage and Museum Complex
  • Victorial Electoral Commission
  • Home Page Eastern Football League