City of Maroondah
The City of Maroondah, situated in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, is a vibrant and dynamic community that offers residents and visitors a rich tapestry of attractions, natural beauty, educational excellence, and a unique cultural heritage. Spanning an area that encompasses various suburbs, Maroondah is known for its diverse landscapes, close-knit neighbourhoods, and a commitment to providing a high quality of life. In this comprehensive profile, we will delve deep into the various aspects that make Maroondah a truly exceptional place to call home.
Introduction to Maroondah
Maroondah, with a population of 115,043 as of the 2021 census, is a thriving local government area in Victoria, Australia. The city was officially formed through the amalgamation of the former Cities of Ringwood and Croydon on December 15, 1994. The name ‘Maroondah’ itself has deep significance, as it is derived from two Aboriginal words, symbolising “throwing” and “leaf,” which beautifully encapsulate the region’s lush and green environment.
Suburbs of Maroondah
Maroondah comprises several diverse and charming suburbs, each with its own unique character and appeal. These suburbs include:
- Ringwood
- Croydon
- Heathmont
- Ringwood East
- Ringwood North
- Warranwood
- Croydon North
- Croydon South
- Croydon Hills
- Bayswater North
- Parts of Kilsyth South
- Parts of Vermont
- Parts of Park Orchards
- Parts of Kilsyth South
- Parts of Wonga Park
These suburbs come together to create a diverse and vibrant community, each contributing its own unique flavour to the tapestry of Maroondah.
Transport and Connectivity
Maroondah is well-connected to the broader Melbourne metropolitan area, thanks to the Lilydale and Belgrave railway lines that run through the city. Residents and visitors can easily access these train lines through stations such as Heatherdale, Ringwood, Ringwood East, Croydon, and Heathmont.
In addition to the railway network, Maroondah is served by an extensive bus network operated by various companies, including Ventura, Kinetic, McKenzies, and V/Line. These buses provide essential transportation links within the city and to neighbouring areas.
Healthcare Services
The health and well-being of its residents are of paramount importance to Maroondah, and the city is served by the Maroondah Hospital. Located in Ringwood East, Maroondah Hospital is a large public healthcare facility that plays a critical role in providing medical services to the city and its surrounding areas. The hospital’s commitment to quality healthcare ensures that residents have access to top-notch medical care when needed.
Waste Management
Maroondah places a strong emphasis on responsible waste management. The city has partnered with JJ Richards for its garbage collection services. Residents are provided with three bins as part of the waste management system:
- A 240-litre blue-lidded bin for recycling.
- A 240-litre lime green-lidded bin for food organics and garden organics (FOGO).
- A 120-litre red-lidded bin for waste and landfill collection (an 80-litre bin is also available for those with reduced waste needs).
The city’s commitment to efficient waste management reflects its dedication to environmental sustainability and a clean, green future.
Education in Maroondah
Maroondah is home to a wide selection of excellent state and private schools, catering to students from across the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The city places a high priority on providing quality education to nurture the minds of future generations.
Primary Schools
Maroondah offers a range of primary schools, both public and private, to provide students with a strong educational foundation. Some of the notable primary schools include:
Public Primary Schools:
- Ainslie Parklands Primary School
- Bayswater North Primary School
- Croydon Hills Primary School
- Croydon Primary School
- Dorset Primary School
- Eastwood Primary School
- Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School
- Great Ryrie Primary School
- Heathmont East Primary School
- Holy Spirit Community School
- Kalinda Primary School
- Marlborough Primary School
- Mullum Primary School
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Primary School
- Ringwood Heights Primary School
- Ringwood North Primary School
- Ruskin Park Primary School
- Sacred Heart Primary School
- Tinternvale Primary School
- Village School
- Warranwood Primary School
- Yarra Road Primary School
Secondary Schools:
- Aquinas College
- Croydon Community School
- Heathmont College
- Luther College
- Melba College
- Norwood Secondary College
- Ringwood Secondary College
Combined Schools:
- Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School
- Tintern Grammar
- Yarra Valley Grammar
Special Schools:
- Croydon Special Developmental School
Universities:
- Swinburne University of Technology – Croydon Campus
Maroondah’s commitment to education ensures that students have access to a diverse range of learning opportunities, allowing them to excel academically and personally.
Libraries
Maroondah residents have access to a wealth of knowledge and cultural resources through the city’s well-maintained libraries. These libraries are managed by Eastern Regional Libraries and serve as vital community hubs. Two key libraries in Maroondah include:
- Realm – Ringwood Town Square: Located at 179 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood, opposite Ringwood Station, Realm offers an extensive collection of books and digital resources.
- Croydon Library: Situated in Civic Square on Mount Dandenong Road, Croydon, this library provides a welcoming space for residents to explore literature and engage in cultural activities.
Population and Growth
As of the 2021 census, Maroondah had a population of 115,043, reflecting steady growth from the 2016 census figure of 110,376. This growth is indicative of Maroondah’s desirability as a place to live, work, and raise a family.
The City of Maroondah, with its diverse suburbs, strong commitment to education, excellent healthcare services, and efficient waste management, is a testament to the quality of life it offers to its residents. Maroondah’s lush greenery, rich cultural heritage, and thriving community make it an exceptional place to call home. Whether you’re a resident, a visitor, or someone considering making Maroondah your home, you’ll find a welcoming and vibrant community that values progress, sustainability, and the well-being of its residents. Maroondah is more than just a city; it’s a dynamic and growing community with a bright future ahead.