Downer is a suburb in Canberra Australia, in the Inner North. The suburb is bounded by Northbourne Avenue, Antill Street and Philip Avenue. The suburb covers an area of 1.6 sq kms.
The suburb was gazetted in 1960 and named after Sir John Downer (1844-1915) Premier of South Australia and a member of the first Australian Senate in 1901. Many of the street are named after people, eg. Melba Street (Dame Nelly).
The buildings which make up the Downer Community Centre (the Workshop) and former shops present day cafe, VET and bike repair in what was once the the Machine Shed, were built for the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) in 1940s, and much of the area now comprising Downer was an agricultural research facility for what later became the CSIRO. The area was used between 1940-1960 as a plantation for the growing of opium poppy and pyrethrum to provide a source for medications given the unavailability of imported supplies especially during WW2. It is likely that Aerogard was created at the Downer facility! The large radiata pines, eucalypts and oaks which surround the block (now known as the historical precinct) were planted in this time as a wind break to protect crops and livestock. Large trees (Camden Woolybutts) along Swinden street were also planted then, as Swinden street was the driveway connecting the CSIR facility to Northbourne Avenue. With the growth of Canberra, the experimental farm was transformed into the suburb of Downer in the 1960’s.
The Downer primary school opened in 1962 on the northern area of the former CSIR site. It closed in 1988 and the buildings served time as a Business Centre until the construction of The Bradfield apartments (2021) and the Goodwin Independent Living complex (2026 expected). Another site of interest in Downer is Barnardos on the corner of Durack and Atherton. Opening in 1964 as a residential home, it now offers family support within the community. Diana Princess of Wales visited in 1985. Barnardos is an organisation supporting children within families with a core mission of helping vulnerable youth.
The population count of Downer on census night 2021 was 4,296 people of which 51.7% are women. The predominant age group is 20-39 years. Other demographics from the census shows that Downer is a multi-cultural, relatively youthful and working-aged suburb. Around 62% of homes in Downer are owner-occupied.
50th Anniversary Celebrations
Downer @ 50′ , published by DCA to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Downer in 2010.
If you would like a free copy of the book send an email to downerassociation@gmail.com