Preston's first involvement in local government was part of the
Epping Road District in 1854, which also included
Northcote. In 1870, the Epping District was amalgamated with the Merriang, Whittlesea, Morang and Woodstock Road Districts, to form a very large Darebin Shire. These entities mostly ended up in the Cities of
Broadmeadows and
Whittlesea. Preston was first incorporated as the Jika Jika Shire on 8 November 1871, which was renamed Preston on 11 September 1885. It became a
borough on 14 March 1922, a town on 24 May 1922, and was proclaimed a city on 14 July 1926. On 22 June 1994, the City of Preston was abolished, and along with the
City of Northcote and parts of the
City of Coburg, was merged into the
City of Darebin. Council meetings were held at Preston City Hall, at High Street and Gower Street,
Preston. It is still used for the same purpose by the City of Darebin. ==Wards==