Marayong
In 1802 the government declared most of the area we know as Blacktown to be a farm and grazing area. It was not until 1819 that land around today’s Marayong was given to private citizens — some of their names are Charles Stuart, Frederick Garling, William Shedworth, Thomas Blackett, William Bland and Major West.
The next development was in 1864 when the railway line from Blacktown to Richmond was opened.
From 1903 to 1906 land between Marayong and Quakers Hill began to be subdivided and sold. Instead of cattle grazing in the paddocks, small poultry farms, market gardens and wheat farms were established. The railway then became very important because farmers could get their stock or produce to market quickly and easily.
On October 2nd, 1922, Marayong Railway Station was officially opened, and in 1926 the people of Marayong voted to become a separate suburb from Quakers Hill. The name “Marayong” was believed to mean “emu” in the Dharug language and was the name the Aborigines gave to the area.
The next major change in Marayong was the establishment of a Housing Commission estate in the 1960s. This in turn brought industry to the area. The 1970s marked to end of the rural nature of Marayong, with more house lots being sold.
The population increased by more than double between the years 1976 and 1981. Development has continued and there are now 6 public schools, 2 secondary schools in the area. There is also a Neighbourhood Centre, pre-school centres, community halls, shops, and parks.
Timeline
Pre 1788 Aborigines from the Dharug tribe live in the area
1790 Captain Watkin Tench and a group of marines explore the area
1802 Government Stock Farm created — covering virtually all of the current boundaries of Blacktown City area.
1819 Land in the area granted to various people
1864 Railway line from Blacktown to Richmond opened
1903 Large land grants subdivided into smaller farms — land use changed from grazing to market gardens, poultry farms
1922 Railway station officially opened at Marayong
1926 Marayong is a suburb independent of Quakers Hill
1933 Population is 49. There are 14 house in Marayong
1950s Italian company EPT establishes a tower manufacturing plant in Marayong. St Anthony’s Church built.
1959 Holy Family School opened. Marayong Public School opened
1959 - 1962 Housing estates develop area.
1960s Industries start in the area
1960 “Non-official” Post Office opened in Railway St. Council approves shopping centre in Quaker and Railway Parades, Marayong
1961 Marayong Heights Primary School opened in Shedworth Street. St Andrews Church opens (church reconstructed in 1977)
1962 Marayong South Public School opened
1965 St Andrew’s Primary School opened
1966 Polish Roman Catholic Memorial Church built
1967 Holy Family High School opened (became part of St Andrews College in 1998). New convent for the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth opened in Breakfast Road, Marayong.
1972 - 1975 Further housing estates
1976 Population is 2892. There are 859 houses in Marayong
1980 John Paul II Senior High School opened (became part of St Andrews College in 1998)
1991 Population is 8142. There are 2496 house in Marayong
2001 Population is 7100. There are 2497 houses in Marayong
2002 Marayong Heights Primary School moves across the road, backing on to Guerie Street