July 13th, 2009 History of Melbourne’s Chinatown
During the mid 1800′s, many people immigrated from China to Melbourne, Australia. The numbers increased as many caught wind of the gold rush, and the first houses and residential area was established on Little Bourke Street. At first, it was a purely residential area, however soon the merchants and businesses set up in this area, due to the cheap rent and the convenience of the location for providing supplies to those working in the gold mines. The population during this time was constantly shifted due the those working in the fields, but remained and remains to this day, predominantly Chinese in ethnicity.
When the gold rush became a gold trickle, many began to move into this center of the city from their previous, more rural and agricultural means of life. Little Burke Street had been for many years the cultural and societal center of Melbourne, and this immigration led to an even broader spectrum of business and organizations in the neighborhood. The Chinese became the importers, the artists, the makers of furniture, and the owners of produce of vegetable and fruit markets as well as the restaurateurs and the designers of some of the most charming Melbourne 5 star hotels.
During this time many churches were built, newspapers were established and political groups were formed. As well as the established community living within the sector, this became the hub for those Chinese immigrants living outside the area. Many would travel to this neighborhood after work, to get together, partake in ceremonies and share meals. The area has remained a community of support for those who are recently immigrating now, during the twenty-first century. All of the networks created continue to span the country of Australia, from the social as well as the business connections. This is one of the most interesting neighborhoods of the city of Melbourne, and one that should not be missed on any tour or holiday through the city.
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