Melville's rich and colourful history began when small groups of Beeliar Aboriginal people, who spent idyllic summers around the Swan and Canning Rivers, camped at the swamps near Bull Creek, Alfred Cove and North Lake. The first industries in the area began with the introduction of cattle for farming and the commercial collection of timber. Following the frantic 1890s gold rush, larger areas in Melville were settled and roads and town buildings were constructed. By 1900, the district had asserted its independence and broke away from Fremantle to become the Melville Roads Board collecting its own rates, licence fees and government grants. In 1968, Melville became a City. It is at the forefront of new areas of service for local government. As well as being a leader in the provision of recreation facilities, in recent years the community development functions have expanded to include community arts, services for people with disabilities, senior citizens, youth and multi-cultural services.

The City of Melville has the third largest population in Western Australia and residents enjoy a high quality living environment in what is a friendly, vibrant and family based community. Only 10km from the centre of Perth City, Melville covers an area of approximately 53 square kilometres and boasts access to a superb communications network including the Leach and Canning Highways and the Kwinana Freeway. With 18km of river foreshore, over 200 high quality bushland reserves and parks, plus access to superlative leisure facilities. Open and friendly planning and management policies encourage ratepayers, residents and business people alike to participate in the life of the City.

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