Revesby was named in 1913 in honour of Sir Joseph Banks, the botanist who sailed with Captain James Cook on the Endeavour, when he reached the east coast of Australia in 1770. Banks had inherited his father’s estate of Revesby Abbey, in Lincolnshire, England, so he was known as the Squire of Revesby. He is also commemorated in the Sir Joseph Banks High School in Turvey Street. George Johnston, an officer of marines who had arrived on the First Fleet was granted land in this area in 1804. His wife Esther Julian, who had arrived as a convict on the same ship in 1788 was granted in 1813. The earliest landowners did not reside in the area. The only mansion built in the early days was 'The Pah' on Tompson Road. It was built in 1896-97 by Samuel John Hales on that had been purchased from the Weston estate. The property was subdivided in 1926 but the house remains. The first school opened as Bankstown South in 1896; now known as Revesby Public School. The railway station opened on 21 December 1931. The local post office opened in 1955.
Population
According to the 2016 census of Population, there were 14,176 people in Revesby.
58.2% of people were born in Australia. The next most common countries of birth were China 5.7%, Vietnam 4.7%, Lebanon 3.3%, India 2.5%, New Zealand 2.0% and Pakistan 1.0%.
51.2% of people spoke only English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Arabic 10.0%, Vietnamese 6.4%, Mandarin 5.4%, Cantonese 4.1% and Greek 3.0%.
The most common responses for religion were Catholic 27.8%, No Religion 18.9%, Anglican 10.8% and Islam 8.1%.
Commercial area
Revesby has a growing retail shopping centre, adjacent to Revesby railway station, centred on Marco Avenue and Selems Parade. It is also the site of several local government facilities including a senior citizens centre. The Revesby shopping village is home to many banks, specialty retailers, restaurants and cafés. In the early 2000s, one of the largest Woolworths supermarkets in Sydney was built in Marco Avenue, across the road from the existing complex. On the original site, a combined residential and retail development called Revesby Abbey was completed in 2003. These developments brought a major increase in shoppers and business to the area. Revesby Abbey is now a popular spot for people to meet as it features many cafes, restaurants and boutiques lining the street.
Culture and entertainment
A major attraction of Revesby is the . Originally opened in 1962, today it has over 50,000 members, with extensive modern facilities. The most recent upgrades were completed in 2000, with further extensions currently under construction expected to significantly change the club, making it one of the largest in the state. The recent addition of a multi-level car park as well as another supermarket in close proximity has greatly increased access for locals for entertainment and products. An Arts and Crafts Fair is held every month at Abel Reserve.
