Yarra’s unique spirit is built on diversity of experience, starting with our Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, through continued waves of migration from across the globe.

Our proud Aboriginal history

The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people are the original custodians of the land now known as the City of Yarra. They cared for the land for many thousands of years before being displaced by European settlers from the 1830s. Areas of Yarra have continued to be important gathering places for Aboriginal people.

Important community organisations located in Yarra:

  • Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
  • MAYSAR - Melbourne Aboriginal Youth Sport and Recreation Cooperative
  • VACCHO – Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
  • Charcoal Lane – a social enterprise
  • Aboriginal Housing Victoria.

Cultural diversity

Over the past 70 years, Yarra has welcomed large numbers of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers from Europe, Asia and (more recently) Africa. Each group of new arrivals has diversified and strengthened the culture and economy of Yarra.

Rainbow Yarra

Yarra celebrates our LGBTQI+ community. We’re currently home to three times the number of same-sex couple households compared to Victoria’s average.

Creative and progressive Yarra

Our creative and progressive identity is in part due to the legacy of students, artists and activists who have made Yarra home from the 1970s and 80s and beyond.

Our unique economy

  • Our biggest employers are health and education service providers.
  • Our unique economy is centred on our unique boutique retail strips and dining precincts.
  • Our emerging economy is arts and creative industries and tech start-ups – Fitzroy and Collingwood have a thriving arts scene and Cremorne is Melbourne’s Silicone Valley.
Top employers
  • Healthcare and social assistance
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
  • Retail trade

Colonial heritage

Yarra includes Melbourne’s earliest established suburbs. This history remains visible in our architecture, street furniture and monuments, parklands and trees. Many locations bear the name of historical post-colonial identities. Around 70% of properties in Yarra are covered by a heritage overlay.

    Something to think about