PROFILE OF SILVAN PROVINCE

The Province of Silvan, consists of the the Assembly seats of Bayswater, Monbulk, Mooroolbark and Warrandyte, is extremely diverse with residential and semi rural areas, conservation's reserves, natural parklands, agricultural areas and some light industrial areas.

Silvan has a high business profile with approximately 60% of the community involved in business, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade. Many are self-employed and in small business. In the rural towns of Silvan and Monbulk, apples, strawberries and flowers are grown. 40% of all cut flowers sold in Victoria are grown in Silvan.

The jewel in the crown is the Dandenong Ranges, which is one of the most beautiful areas in Victoria. The Dandenong Ranges, has to be one of Australia's most popular National Parks and contains six specialist gardens which are major tourist attractions.

There is enormous potential to increase tourism in the area, but sensitivity for the conservation of these areas and lifestyles of the residents must be paramount.

Warrandyte was witness to the first gold rushes. The earliest goldfield in Victoria was proclaimed in Gold Memorial Road, Warrandyte in 1851, by Louis Michel, a Melbourne publican. The discovery came as a direct response to the offer of a substantial reward for the discovery of a workable mine within 200 miles of Melbourne.

The Gold Reward Committee, which had been formed by the Lord Mayor and various businessmen in the City, made the offer in order to stem the flow of migrants away from Melbourne to the recently discovered goldfield at Bathurst in New South Wales.

The 1991 Australian Bureau of Statistics figures for the Silvan Province clearly indicates a continuing population growth in the outer eastern suburbs, especially with families and young people. 25% of the total community are under 15 years and approximately 80% are under 50 years.

As population growth continues in the outer east, so will the demand for more services particularly those associated with the needs of families and youth.

The people of Silvan share the same day to day aspirations as all Victorians. They want a good education leading to satisfying career choices for their children. They want first class health care now and to feel secure in their home and their neighbourhood. They also want a stable economic environment that affords job security.

Electorate Includes :
Basin (The), Bayswater, Bayswater North, Belgrave (part), Boronia (part), Chirnside Park (part), Croydon, Croydon Hills, Croydon North, Croydon South, Donvale (part), Ferntree Gully (part), Ferny Creek, Heathmont, Kallista (part), Kalorama, Kilsyth, Kilsyth South, Lilydale (part), Monbulk (part), Montrose, Mooroolbark (part), Mount Dandenong, Mount Evelyn (part), Olinda, Park Orchards, Ringwood, Ringwood East, Ringwood North, Sassafras, Seville (part), Sherbrooke, Silvan (part), Tecoma, Tremont, Upwey, Vermont (part), Wandin East (part), Wantirna (part), Warrandyte, Warrandyte South, Warranwood, Wonga Park.