Tohme Lawyers, close to the historic suburbs of Essendon North and Essendon West
Tohme Lawyers is a vibrant legal practice based in Essendon Fields, just 4.5km from Essendon North and 4.9km from Essendon West.
If you are looking for a lawyer in Essendon North or Essendon West, consider Tohme Lawyers—we are conveniently located nearby, just across the Calder Freeway.
Tohme Lawyers recognizes and values the history, development and landmarks of both Essendon North and Essendon West.
Indigenous Heritage
Essendon North and Essendon West sit on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people.
Before European settlement, the Moonee Ponds Creek, Steele Creek, and the Maribyrnong River provided essential resources such as fish, eels, and plant foods while serving as key travel routes for Indigenous communities.
Archaeological sites, including a silcrete quarry near Steele Creek, confirm the Wurundjeri’s long-term presence in the area.
The Maribyrnong River, meaning “running water” or “I can hear a ringtail possum” in Woiwurrung, played a crucial role in Indigenous life.
Solomon’s Ford, a crossing point near the Maribyrnong River, was used for thousands of years before also serving European settlers.
Today, the local councils recognize this heritage, with Indigenous cultural sites and conservation areas such as the Afton Street Conservation Reserve helping preserve the Wurundjeri’s historical connection to the land.
Early European Settlement and Growth
European settlement in the Essendon area began in the 1840s, with land sales in Doutta Galla Parish leading to the establishment of large estates.
Scottish settler Thomas Napier played a key role in shaping Essendon, purchasing land in 1848 and donating property for churches and schools.
Early development in Essendon North centred around the intersection of Mount Alexander Road and Keilor Road, a key junction for travellers heading to the goldfields.
Inns such as the Lincolnshire Arms Hotel (1852) and the Essendon Hotel (1853) catered to passing bullock drivers and diggers.
Meanwhile, Essendon West remained largely agricultural, with farms and sand mining operations along the Maribyrnong River contributing to Melbourne’s construction industry.
Sand was extracted from river cliffs and transported downstream to Footscray and Yarraville for use in glass and concrete production.
Farming and dairying continued well into the 20th century, particularly on the river’s fertile flats.
By the late 19th century, Essendon North and West were gradually subdivided. Five Mile Creek was a key landmark in Essendon North, while Essendon West’s steep escarpments and open space remained largely undeveloped.
The extension of Melbourne’s tram network to Essendon North in 1906 spurred suburban growth, making the area more accessible and desirable for residential development.
Tohme Lawyers – professional lawyers near me in Essendon North and Essendon West
Close to Essendon North and Essendon West is Tohme Lawyers, a professional legal firm with a broad range of services, including commercial law, conveyancing, contracts, family law, litigation, employment law, and more!
If you are looking for an Essendon North lawyer (aka Essendon North solicitor), look no further!
Aviation, Industry, and Post-War Expansion
The establishment of Essendon Airport in 1921 had a lasting impact on Essendon North.
Initially known as St. Johns Field, the airport became Melbourne’s primary aviation hub until Tullamarine Airport opened in 1970.
Its presence brought businesses, transport upgrades, and workers who settled in nearby streets.
Roads such as Matthews Avenue became commercial corridors, and by the 1950s, industrial expansion supported local employment.
Post-World War II, both suburbs saw rapid residential development. The housing boom led to the construction of California Bungalow-style homes in Essendon North, while Essendon West’s river-facing blocks attracted middle-class buyers.
Schools, shops, and churches were established, including Essendon North Primary School (1920) and St Bernard’s College (1950) in Essendon West.
Infrastructure projects such as the Canning Street Bridge (1964) improved connectivity across the Maribyrnong River.
By the late 20th century, former industrial sites, including Essendon West’s sand quarries, were rehabilitated into public reserves.
The Afton Street Conservation Park and the Maribyrnong River Trail became important recreational spaces, preserving both natural beauty and historical sites.
Landmarks and Identity Today
Essendon North and Essendon West retain distinct but interconnected histories.
Essendon Fields (formerly Essendon Airport) remains a key landmark, with its heritage-listed control tower and former hangars repurposed as commercial hubs, including DFO Essendon.
The Lincolnshire Arms Hotel still operates, reflecting Essendon North’s gold rush-era origins.
In Essendon West, St Bernard’s College and its historic grounds remain a focal point, while Afton Street Reserve showcases the suburb’s environmental restoration.
The Maribyrnong River Viaduct, a striking 1929 railway bridge, is a testament to early infrastructure development.
Both suburbs blend historical character with modern suburban life, shaped by Indigenous heritage, aviation, transport networks, and post-war urban expansion.
Their evolution continues, balancing historical preservation with contemporary growth.
Contact Essendon North Lawyer (or Essendon West Lawyer) – Tohme Lawyers
For expert, professional legal advice, contact Tohme Lawyers, who are close to both Essendon North and Essendon West in Essendon Fields.
