Chapman

Established in 1970, the suburb of Chapman was named after Sir Austin Chapman, Member for Eden-Monaro from 1901 to 1926 and an enthusiastic advocate for Federation. As well as playing his part in introducing the penny post into Australia, and being responsible for the standard lightweight wheat bag later called the ‘Chapman Sack’, in 1906, he chaired a royal commission that successfully recommended the introduction of old-age and invalid pensions. Determined to have the nation’s capital in the Eden-Monaro district, and after initially supporting the sites of Dalgety and Bombala, Chapman was instrumental in securing Canberra as the site of the federal capital. He was knighted in 1924.

Within the suburb of Chapman, the street names themselves are named after pioneering members of the Australian film industry.

Chapman is one of eight suburbs comprising the Western Creek district, each with their own shops and private ovals. The suburb is bordered by Rivett, Stirling and Fisher, and backs onto a wide expanse of natural land. It is approximately a fifteen minute drive to either Woden or Tuggeranong town centres, and ten minutes drive to the popular Kambah Pool Reserve on the Murrumbidgee River.

A sought after family neighbourhood, Chapman predominately consists of large homes on substantially sized blocks and sits within a community oriented district. A Community Council for Weston Creek organises special events and there is a high emphasis on sport, with local teams for Rugby Union, Australian Rules football, baseball, soccer, lawn bowls, netball and cricket. Within the suburb is Chapman Primary School and nearby in Waramanga is the district high School, Stromlo High.