The Castlefield estate holds historical significance as the second largest soldier settlement housing estate in Victoria after World War I. Here are some key points about this remarkable estate:

• Origins and Ownership:

  • Originally, the land was farmland owned by early settler Matthew Smith.
  • After World War I, the land was compulsorily acquired for the purpose of establishing a soldier settlement.

• Naming Convention:

  • The Castlefield estate is recognizable by the names of its streets, which are named after landmarks on the Western Front during the war. These street names include Amiens Street, Passchendaele Street, Rouen Street, and others.
  • This naming tradition pays homage to the soldiers who served during the war and the battles they fought.

• Preservation:

  • The Castlefield estate has maintained it’s historical character and is the best preserved of the remaining WW1 Soldier settlement estates in Victoria.
  • It stands as a testament to the post-war efforts to provide returning soldiers with land and housing.

• Recent Developments:

  • The Sandringham and District Historical Society, along with the Castlefield Project Centenary Committee, is actively involved in researching and celebrating the estate’s history.
  • A grant has been allocated to manage the Castlefield Project, which includes research, celebrations, and interpretative street signs.

In 2025, there will be a grand celebration of the Castlefield Estate, commemorating its role in supporting veterans and shaping the local community.