Two years after the founding of Melbourne, pioneer pastoralist William Turner rode into the bush around Croydon and sowed experimental pasture seed. He was the first in a long line of migrants from all corners of the globe to carve out a good life in the foothills of Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges now known as the City of Maroondah.
Maroondah is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘looking over the water’ or ‘gum leaves’. Formed on 15 December 1994, it comprises the former Cities of Croydon and Ringwood, as well as Ringwood North (formerly in Doncaster Templestowe) and Kilsyth South (formerly part of the Shire of Lillydale).
Situated 25 kilometres from the GPO, Maroondah now forms the eastern boundary of metropolitan Melbourne. Its 61 square kilometres are home to 91,111 people (ABS 1996 Census) who enjoy an environment dominated by greenery.
Mayor, Councillor Joe Cossari, a migrant like William Turner, has been a local resident and businessman for over 30 years and is proud to be the first Italian born leader of the City. With a small business background and an eye to the future, he is enthusiastic about Maroondah and its prospects.
“As a municipality on the urban fringe, we enjoy a number of benefits,” he said. “We are an oasis of tree canopied suburbs, balancing established neighbourhoods, new suburban developments and green spaces.
“Our community enjoys some wonderful attractions including Ringwood Lake, Wyreena Community Arts Centre, numerous bushland reserves and many sporting facilities.
“In addition, my election as Mayor highlights the multicultural nature of our City. It is this diversity of people and cultures that makes Maroondah such a vibrant and exciting place to live.”
Maroondah prides itself on being a modern and progressive City and home to many large and small businesses that provide a strong local employment base. The Ringwood District Centre is the third largest retail centre in metropolitan Melbourne. There are some 27,000 people working in 4,000 enterprises throughout the City.
Chief Executive Officer, Michael Marasco, wants to build on the City’s many attributes, promoting both business and the strong sense of community.
“It is a vibrant City with an active community, a strong local economy and a diverse cultural life,” he said. “Maroondah will strive to achieve continued business growth supporting high levels of employment. This will be achieved in conjunction with protection and enhancement of the municipality’s environmental and heritage assets.”
Both Council and management are united in their commitment to the future of the City.
“I look forward to working with the community, Council Officers and my fellow Councillors in implementing Council’s Corporate Plan and budget for the coming year,” the Mayor said. “Good business is dependent on solid planning and Maroondah’s Corporate Plan and budget are the result of careful planning and consultation ensuring it supports the initiatives and strategies of Council.”
Michael Marasco affirmed Council’s commitment to balancing the future direction of the City.
“A responsible financial basis for the City is fundamental to future viability, and our long term financial plan assures us of this,” he said. “Our corporate values are based on commitment, cooperation, communication, innovation and improvement. We aim to be a leader in open, responsive and responsible government.”
