History
This page provides a brief historical context for the Division.
Brief history of the Bankstown area
The original inhabitants of the area now known as Bankstown were the Eora Aboriginal people. Their land bordered the Dharawal and the Darung people. The Aboriginal people strongly resisted European settlement. An epidemic in the early 1800s severely reduced the Aboriginal populations, from which time resistance ceased.
Europeans first came to Bankstown in 1795. The NSW Governor commissioned three European settlers to explore the Georges River. Following their positive report, the Governor established a settlement. This settlement was later named Banks' Town, in honour of Sir Joseph Banks, who sailed with Captain James Cook aboard the 'Endeavour' on Cook's voyage of discovery from 1768 to 1771.
In the early 20th century, the expansion of railways encouraged increased settlement and the establishment of industries in the area.
During World War 2, the United States Air Force was located in the Bankstown airport, and military aircraft were manufactured in the area. After World War 2, Bankstown experienced an industrial boom. During the post-war period, high numbers of migrants came to the area at that time. High levels of migration to Bankstown and surrounding areas continues to this day.
In 2009, Bankstown and the surrounding local government areas are the most culturally diverse parts of Australia.
More information about the history of the Bankstown area is available in the Bankstown City Council website:
http://www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au/History/default.aspx