City of Cockburn facts for kids

Quick facts for kids City of Cockburn Western Australia
The City of Cockburn within the Perth Metropolitan Area
• Density	703.34/km2 (1,821.6/sq mi)
Established	1871
Area	167.9 km2 (64.8 sq mi)
Mayor	Logan Howlett
Council seat	Spearwood
Region	South Metropolitan Perth
State electorate(s)	Cockburn, Fremantle, Jandakot, Willagee
Federal Division(s)	Fremantle
Website	City of Cockburn
LGAs around City of Cockburn: Fremantle Melville Canning Gosnells City of Cockburn Armadale Kwinana Serpentine- Jarrahdale

The City of Cockburn (pronounced KOH-bərn) is a local government area in the southern part of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. It's located about 8 km (5 mi) south of Fremantle and 24 km (15 mi) south of Perth's city centre. The City of Cockburn covers an area of about 167.5 square kilometres (64.7 sq mi) and was home to over 104,000 people in 2016.

The Story of Cockburn

The name Cockburn comes from Cockburn Sound, a body of water named in 1827 by Captain James Stirling. He named it after Admiral Sir George Cockburn. Sir George was a famous British naval officer, born in London in 1772. He became a very high-ranking officer, even Admiral of the Fleet. He was known for his service in the War of 1812. He also took Napoleon to exile on the island of Saint Helena after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

How Cockburn Became a City

In 1871, the Fremantle Road District was created. This area covered land south and east of Fremantle. A group called the Fremantle Road Board was set up to manage it. Their main job was to build and look after roads connecting Fremantle to other parts of the colony.

Over time, the district grew. In 1923, it gained more land from the Jandakot Road District. On January 21, 1955, the area was officially renamed Cockburn. This showed that the community wanted its own identity, separate from Fremantle.

On July 1, 1961, the Cockburn Road District became a Shire. This happened because of a new law about local governments. Then, on January 24, 1971, it became a Town, as more people moved there and it became more urban. Finally, on October 26, 1979, the Town of Cockburn became the City of Cockburn.

City of Cockburn Administrative Offices in Spearwood

In May 1966, Rottnest Island and Carnac Island were included in the Shire's boundaries. However, the local council does not manage these islands. State government agencies look after them.

There were some challenging times for the City of Cockburn in 1999 and 2007. During these periods, administrators were put in charge to help run the council. This ensured that local services continued smoothly for the community.

How Cockburn is Governed

The City of Cockburn is divided into three main areas called wards. Each ward elects three councillors to represent its residents. The mayor, who leads the council, is chosen directly by the people living in the City.

• East Ward
• West Ward
• Central Ward

How Many People Live Here?

The City of Cockburn has grown a lot over the years. Here's a look at how its population has changed:

Suburbs of Cockburn

The City of Cockburn is made up of many different suburbs. Each suburb has its own population and area. Here are some of them, with numbers from the most recent Australian census:

Mayors of Cockburn

Historic Places in Cockburn

As of 2024, there are 140 places in the City of Cockburn that are listed as important heritage sites. Out of these, 21 are on the official State Register of Heritage Places. Some well-known examples include the Coogee Hotel, the Newmarket Hotel, and the Woodman Light. These places help tell the story of the area's past.

International Connections

The City of Cockburn has special friendships with cities in other countries. These are called "sister cities." They work together to share culture and ideas.

Statue on Spearwood Avenue recognising sister city of Yueyang

• Mobile, Alabama, United States – since September 28, 2005
• Split, Croatia – since July 6, 1998
• Yueyang, China – since November 28, 1998