Located 50km southeast of Melbourne, Cardinia Shire is emerging as one of the hotspots of new development in Victoria as well as Australia-wide.  This region, between Gippsland and Melbourne, serves as a vital meeting point between city and country.

Pakenham is the central population hub of Cardinia Shire, and is a part of the fastest growing urban region in the state. From 2001 to 2006 the population of Pakenham grew at double the rate of the entire Shire’s population. This influx of residents has brought with it a strong demand for trades and labour, led largely by the boom in house construction and associated industries.

The increased growth and activity has led to increased business opportunities. Pakenham is now a magnet for national and international companies, and is home to major businesses such as Nestlé and Smiths Crisps.

Pakenham has a young, vibrant and skilled workforce, and access to an excellent range of primary, secondary and tertiary education facilities. The region is a hub of education, with a network of available kindergartens, schools and universities. And this is reflected in the make up of people: an amazing 52 per cent of the Pakenham population comprises young couples and their children.

These strong demographic and economic signs will see Pakenham continue to grow well into the future.