Newhaven is a town in southern Victoria, in the south Gippsland region. Located on Phillip Island, adjacent to the channel known as The Narrows, it is the town on the island side of the bridge linking Phillip Island to the mainland. At the 2021 census, Newhaven had a population of 547.
Old Newhaven Bridge in December 1947.Phillip Island Bridge connecting Newhaven with the adjacent town of San Remo in 2005.
The town's economy is primarily based on retirement living and tourism, and has a Yacht Club with a marina. Atlantis Nereus tidalturbines are installed at Newhaven.[2] In 1980, Newhaven College was established and Newhaven Primary School has been situated in Newhaven since 1890.[3]
History
European settlement in Newhaven dates back to the early 1870s with the establishment of the Newhaven Post Office on the 1 January 1873. This Post Office however, was closed in 1975.[4] The population remained relatively low for most of the early part of the 20th century, until a suspension bridge was built between San Remo and Newhaven. The main industries in Newhaven was agriculture and fishing. However, since the 1970s, Newhaven has increasingly catered for tourism and a retiree population. The bridge was closed down in the early 1970s when the new and current bridge was but into use which is called the Phillip Island Bridge. The local primary school (catering for 123 pupils in 2014) was first opened in 1890, and is still open today. In 1914, The Newhaven AnglicanBoys' Home was opened. During the 1920s and 1930s, a church was opened on the boys' home and subsequent housing for 'delinquent' children of the state was made. The boys' home was closed in 1973. In 1976, however, discussion was made with an establishment for a new secondary school for students. In 1980, Newhaven College was opened and now caters for nearly 1,000 students.[3]
Since the 1970s, there has been substantial residential growth. For example, in 1961, the population of Newhaven was 248. By 1991, this had increased to 740 people. This early growth was partly due to the selling and development of land along Cape Woolamai. Note, the division between Cape Woolamai and Newhaven occurred in the 2006 national census. Currently, the main attraction to Newhaven is the Chocolate Factory, a Caravan Park and mainly, the Newhaven Yacht Club and a subsequent marina. This club has been in existent for over 50 years.[3]
Further reading
Jean Edgecombe (1989) Phillip Island and Western Port
