This page contains information which describes the history of the suburb and community now known as Junortoun. This includes:
- The Dja Dja Wurrung people – the first Australians
- Early settlers of Homebush and Junortoun
- How Junortoun was named
- World War I soldiers
- Junortoun State School
- History of Junortoun CFA
- Notable events
- Junortoun today
If you can assist by providing additional historical information or photos please contact the Junortoun Community Action Group.
The Dja Dja Wurrung people – the first Australians
The first inhabitants of Junortoun were the Dja Dja Wurrung people of the Kulin nation who lived throughout the Loddon Valley for thousands of years prior to European settlement.
Early settlers of Homebush and Junortoun
How Junortoun was named
The locality initially established as “Homebush”, centred around the Homebush Estate. Around 1912 the location changed its name to Junortoun to avoid confusion with Homebush, New South Wales. See this article for a discussion of how Junortoun was named.
World War I soldiers role of honour
Throughout its history many people from Junortoun have served this country at times of war. Their names are recorded on an honour board stored at the can be found here.
Junortoun State School
A primary school operated in Junortoun until around 1956. It was initially named Homebush Elementary School and subsequently Junortoun State School (No. 1634).
History of Junortoun CFA
Notable historic events in the history of Junortoun :
- The murder of William and Ida Manning, and Hannah Walker and the suicide of Thomas Walker (1928).
- The opening of the Trotting Track, subsequently named Lord’s Raceway (1954) .
- The closure of the Bendigo – Heathcote railway line (1958).
- The destruction of the Farmer’s Arms Hotel due to fire (2009).
Junortoun today
Today, Junortoun is a growing residential suburb, comprised of a mix of low, medium and high-density residential land. It has a CFA station, is home to Catherine McAuley College, the Bendigo Baptist Church, the Bendigo Harness Racing Club, Bendigo Greyhound Racing Association, and an army base.
Junortoun is prosperous and growing, and a welcoming place to live and raise a family.