Wilston is located 5.1 kilometres (3.2 mi) by road north of the Brisbane GPO.[4] It has a mixture of old and new styles of architecture, from workers' cottages to modern architect-designed homes on Wilston Hill.[citation needed]
Wilston is home to many professionals, including many medical professionals, due to its inner city location, proximity to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and views of the city that are available from more elevated streets.[citation needed]
In recent years, the area has been transformed by the revamping of Kedron Brook Road, an early precursor to the City Council's urban renewal process that was to roll out across much of inner Brisbane. This has seen a vibrant hub of al-fresco dining evolve, which in turn has increased the popularity of the area and led to a significant increase in the cost of housing in recent years.[citation needed]
Residents are also well serviced by public transport (Wilston train station and regular bus routes) and leisure parks and walkways running alongside Enoggera Creek. The area is also close to local sporting grounds such as Downey Park and Ballymore Stadium.[citation needed]
The area became known as Wilston after the home of the same name built there by the Honourable William Wilson MLC, who settled in the district in 1868. The home, which was constructed circa 1876, was named Wilston House after Wilson's birthplace home at Derrykeeghan Mills, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland.[3] The family believes it is short for Wilson Town.[citation needed]
On Sunday 10 August 1913, a stump-capping ceremony was held for the new Wilston Methodist Church.[5] The official opening was held on Sunday 26 October 1913.[6][7]
Oakleigh House, 2011
Oakleigh House, at 17 Murray Street, Wilston, has been a landmark for over fifty years. It was occupied, from 1902, by George Murray, a Brisbane police magistrate and postmaster. It is a colonial timber house which still stands proudly preserved today.[citation needed]
29 Murray Street (as a private home in 2011)
In 1905, 29 Murray Street was built for the Zoeller family. The house became a reception centre in June 1948, and was the venue for over 25,000 wedding and other receptions until in 1990, 'Oakleigh' was also converted to a function venue, and both houses operated as such until 1995.[citation needed]
Between 1924 and 1931, estates were created to provide more land for housing development.[citation needed]
Demographics
In the 2011 census, the population of Wilston was 3,872, 50.1% female and 49.9% male.[8] The median age of the Wilston population was 35 years, 2 years below the Australian median. 76% of people living in Wilston were born in Australia, compared to the national average of 69.8%; the next most common countries of birth were England 4.5%, New Zealand 3.2%, Italy 1.3%, India 1.1%, South Africa 0.7%. 87.4% of people spoke only English at home; the next most common languages were 1.9% Italian, 0.6% German, 0.6% Cantonese, 0.6% Mandarin, 0.5% Punjabi.[8]
In the 2016 census, Wilston had a population of 3,937 people.[1]
Heritage listings
Wilston State School is one of two schools in the area
Other clubs include DAT Racing (triathlon),[21] Wilston Crocs (swimming club),[22] and Lococo Tennis.[23]
The nearby Grange Club (Grange Bowls and Community Club Inc.) has represented the suburb in lawn bowls for 70 years.[24]
Retail business
Wilston Village in Kedron Brook Road is the main retail area.[25] Local stores in the area are supplemented by larger centres at HomeZone at Windsor,[26]
James Tolson, a short-term resident of Wilston House, conducted important experiments in chilling mutton for export from Australia to Great Britain.[citation needed]
Major General William Cahill, a commissioner of police in Queensland, also lived at Wilston House for a period. During his residence he further developed the grounds, which became known as a sanctuary for birds and native fauna.[citation needed]
^"WILSTON METHODIST CHURCH". The Telegraph. No. 12, 772. Queensland, Australia. 25 October 1913. p. 9. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"WILSTON METHODIST CHURCH". Daily Standard. No. 272. Queensland, Australia. 27 October 1913. p. 5 (SECOND EDITION). Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
