Maling Ward

Maling Ward takes its name from the road beside the Canterbury Railway Station which ran through a large property owned by the Logan family.

The area originally had four different names due to various subdivisions. Councillor Mercy suggested that long-term Councillor and three-time Mayor, John Butler Maling be honoured in 1899, with a last section renamed also in 1908.

The Maling Road part of the Canterbury Shopping Centre slowly became more important than Canterbury Road. By World War I, the two-storey row of shops, a theatre and hall and then the de-licensing of the large Canterbury Hotel increased the area's importance. The area is now recognised and protected by Council as an important tourist precinct. Source: History of ward names, City of Boroondara

The main shopping centres in Maling Ward are:

• Maling Road Canterbury
• Balwyn Shopping Centre along Whitehorse Road near the intersection with Balwyn Road
• Mont Albert near the intersection of Whitehorse and Union roads, Balwyn
• Union Road Surrey Hills.

Map of Maling Ward

View Maling Ward issues in a larger map

Local indigenous history

The first Europeans settled in the Boroondara area in 1837. At the time of settlement there were around 38 tribal groups in the region. The Wurundjeri were one of the most important tribal groups.

Surveying the area in 1837, Robert Hoddle declared it the 'Parish of Boroondara'. As the area was densely wooded, he took the word from the Woiwurrung language, translating it as 'where the ground is thickly shaded'.

The area of Boroondara north of Whitehorse, Cotham and Studley Park Road is Wurundjeri Land.

Source: Local Indigenous history, City of Boroondara