During convict settlement, explorers passed through the region but it was not until 1865 that the first settlers started farming the area's rich alluvial soil. The area takes its name from the Roche family, who emigrated from Ireland to Australia in 1860 and settled in the region. The family built a homestead they called Rochedale in 1868.[7]
Rochedale State School was established at the intersection of Miles Platting Road and Rochedale Road on 1 April 1931.[7][8]
In 1956, the Rochedale Scout Group was formed and established a Scout Den on the corner of Grieve and Rochedale Roads. This parcel of land is zoned for recreational use by the Brisbane City Council.[9]
St Peter's Catholic Primary School was established in 1976 by the Presentation Sisters with an initial enrolment of 44 students.[8][10]
Redeemer Lutheran College opened on 4 February 1980 with 56 Year 8 students under headmaster Leslie Robin Kleinschmidt.[8][11] The school was officially opened on 13 April 1980 by Joh Bjelke-Petersen, the Queensland Premier. In 1999, a middle school consisting of Years 6 to 8 was created. In 2007, a junior school consisting of Years Prep to 5 was added.[12]
Rochedale State High School opened on 24 January 1983.[8]
The Rochedale dump began operations in 1991, despite numerous controversies.[13] A waste-to-energy facility has been generating electricity since 2004.[14]
Demographics
In the 2011 census, the population of Rochedale was 1,092, 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The median age of the Rochedale population was 43 years, 6 years above the Australian median. 64.9% of people living in Rochedale were born in Australia, compared to the national average of 69.8%; the next most common countries of birth were Taiwan 3.8%, England 3.7%, New Zealand 3.5%, Italy 1.2%, United States of America 1.2%. 72.4% of people spoke only English at home; the next most common languages were 4.2% Mandarin, 1.6% Italian, 1.6% Greek, 1.5% Cantonese, 1% Punjabi.[15]
In the 2016 census, Rochedale had a population of 3,175 people. Of these 49.5% were male and 50.5% were female.[16]
In the 2021 census, Rochedale had a population of 7,633 people.[2]
The suburb of Rochedale is supported by many community organisations including sporting clubs, religious entities, youth organisations and educational groups.
