Officer is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, located 48 km southeast of the city’s Central Business District. It’s part of the Cardinia Shire and serves as the council seat, indicating its regional importance.
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Demographic Profile
- Population Growth: Increased from 1,760 in 2011 to 7,147 in 2016.
- Predominant Age Group: 30-39 years.
- Median Household Income: $1,860 per week (2016).
- Ethnicity and Ancestry: Majority Australian-born, with communities from England, India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and the Philippines. Common ancestries include English, Australian, Irish, Scottish, and Indian.
Real Estate and Growth
- Median Sale Price: $715,000 for houses and $523,250 for units.
- Median Rent: $510 for houses, $450 for units.
- Market Trends: Consistent growth in property values and rental market.
Education Facilities
Officer boasts a range of educational institutions catering to various needs, including:
- Berwick Grammar School
- Glenvale School
- Heritage College
- Maranatha Christian School (Officer campus)
- Minaret Islamic College (Officer campus)
- Officer Primary School
- Officer Secondary College
- Officer Specialist School
- St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School
- St Clare’s Catholic Primary School
- St. Francis Xavier College (Officer Campus)
- Bridgewood Primary School
Recreational Facilities
- Parks and Playgrounds: Including Dragon Park, voted Victoria’s Favourite Playground in 2021.
- Sports Facilities: Two AFL sporting grounds, five recreational parks, and the upcoming Comely Banks Recreation Reserve.
Shopping and Dining
The Arena Shopping Centre is the major shopping precinct in Officer, featuring a mix of major retail and smaller commercial outlets. The suburb also enjoys high-speed internet access through the Australian NBN network.
Transportation
Officer is served by the Officer railway station on the Gippsland line, providing regular and express train services to Dandenong and Melbourne CBDs.
Suburban Appeal
Officer offers a blend of rural living and suburban convenience, attracting families, professionals, and retirees. It’s part of one of Melbourne’s main growth corridors and is near the Dandenong Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, and Western Port.
Development and Future Prospects
Plans are underway for the revitalised Officer Town Centre, which will offer medium and high-density housing, offices, retail outlets, and a civic centre to promote economic activity and job creation.
