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Wanneroo

The City of Wanneroo is located in the northern suburbs of Perth, Western Australia. The area was first explored by Europeans in the early 19th century, but it wasn't until the 1850s that settlers began to move in. The name is derived from the Aboriginal word Wanneru, meaning 'place of Aboriginal women's digging stick', which lives on in the name of the city.

Wanneroo remained a small, rural community until the mid-20th century. In the 1950s and 60s, Perth experienced a population boom, and Wanneroo began to grow as well. In the 1970s, the Wanneroo Markets were established with the help of Bill and Bernice Marwick who also founded the Wanneroo Times, a local newspaper that covered news and events in the area. The paper was instrumental in promoting the markets, as well as other local businesses and attractions. It helped foster a sense of community in the area and played a key role in the city's early development. The markets quickly became a popular attraction, drawing visitors from all over Perth. They featured fresh produce, crafts, and live entertainment. The success of the markets helped put Wanneroo on the map, and they continue to operate to this day. 

In 1961, the Wanneroo Roads Board became the Shire of Wanneroo and in 1985 it became the City of Wanneroo. The city has continued to grow and develop over the years, with a resident population in 2021 of 209,111, living in 78,055 dwellings. In 1998, the City of Joondalup was formed, taking some of the northern suburbs of Wanneroo with it. Despite the split, City of Wanneroo has continued to thrive and grow.

One area that has seen significant growth is the Wangara Industrial Area. This area, located in the southeast corner of Wanneroo, is home to a number of businesses in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and logistics. Also, the development of the Neerabup Industrial Area to the north of the original town site has helped create jobs and boost the local economy.

Wanneroo has also seen significant residential development in recent years. The city has expanded northward, with suburbs such as Butler, Clarkson, and Yanchep experiencing rapid growth. These areas offer a broad range of housing options, from apartments to large family homes, and have attracted a diverse population.

Despite its growth and development, Wanneroo has managed to maintain its sense of community. The city boasts a significant number of parks, playgrounds, and community centres, as well as a vibrant arts scene. It also hosts a number of community events throughout the year, including the Wanneroo Show, operated by the Wanneroo Agricultural Society.

In conclusion, the City of Wanneroo has come a long way since its early days as a small, rural community with only a woodblock road leading to Wanneroo from Perth located to the south. The success of the Wanneroo Markets and the Wanneroo Times played a key role in the city's development, helping to put it on the map and foster a sense of community. Today, Wanneroo is a thriving city with a growing population and a diverse economy. Its continued growth and development are sure to make it an even more attractive destination for years to come.

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