Mt+Dandenong

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 * Mt Dandenong

__A BRIEF HISTORY OF MT DANDENONG__

During the severe economic depression in the 1890's, the Victorian Government set up numerous village settlements through out Victoria. This strategy made 10 acre lots of crown land available to applicants. These came with easy financial terms. The settlements were intended to provide a means of livelihood and on a wider scale to ease the pressure on the City of Melbourne and the unemployed. While the scheme was not wholly successful it did provide and alternative for those who may have suffered far worse without it.

The Mount Dandenong Primary School was established in 1897 as an important part of the Mt Dandenong Village Settlement. It began in a settler's shed and in 1901 a state owned building was moved from Ringwood to the present site. Thirty nine pupils and two teachers occupied the new school on April 23rd, 1901. The school grew as the population and industries expanded. The motley collection of buildings, including the original school house was replaced in the 1990's which is a far cry from its humble beginnings.**




 * The industries of the time encompassed timber milling and berry and flower farms which all supplied Melbourne. During this time the Dandenong Ranges were heavily logged and had little resemblance to the lush and green treed areas of today. As the area developed it became popular as a holiday home and guest house destination. Many of these still exist today as family homes.**


 * The Dandenongs have become a major Victorian tourist attraction and are dotted with many B & B's, restaurants and quaint shops. The hills are popular with bush walkers and cyclists and offer fascinating examples of flora and fauna, which includes the elusive Lyrebird, a symbol for the area.**



[|www.dandenongrangestourist.com.au]