The City of Whittlesea is located in Melbourne’s north, about 20km from the Central Business District (CBD). Our current population is approximately 176,000 residents and is expected to grow to 250,000 persons by 2031. Almost half of our residents are aged 25 to 54. Whittlesea is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Australia, and welcomed 8500 new residents in 2011-12.
We are one of the most multicultural municipalities in Victoria, with almost half of our community speaking a language other than English at home. Our diverse community speaks over 140 languages. Our residents come from a wide range of backgrounds with approximately 40% born in other countries, including Italy, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, India, Greece and Vietnam. New migrants also make a small percentage of the Whittlesea community. The urban areas of Thomastown, Lalor and Epping contain a greater proportion of people from non-English speaking backgrounds than other parts of the city. These residents bring with them many aspects of their own cultures, which contribute greatly to the character and identity of the City of Whittlesea.
We are one of the largest municipalities in metropolitan Melbourne, covering an area of approximately 489 square kilometres. Around 60% of the City covers rural green wedge areas comprising Whittlesea, including the townships of Yan Yean, Woodstock, Eden Park, Humevale and Kinglake West. The other 40% contains established urban areas including Lalor, Thomastown, Bundoora and Mill Park, developing areas including Epping, South Morang and Doreen areas proposed for future growth including Wollert, Donnybrook and Beveridge.
