MONCRIEFF ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

177 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg

This site has been a location of theatre and entertainment since 1911.

The original open-air theatre, the Olympia Airdome, was directed by Carroll and Birch as part of a regional Queensland theatre and cinema circuit that later became known as Birch, Carroll and Coyle.

After 30 years as an Airdome, a roof was built and the building was converted into the fully enclosed Olympia Theatre.

In 1973 the theatre underwent further renovations: air-conditioning was installed and it was renamed the Crest Cinema. The Bundaberg City Council purchased the theatre from Birch, Carroll and Coyle in 1981.

The present Moncrieff Entertainment Centre was named in honour of soprano Gladys Lillian Moncrieff (1892-1976), an Australian legend who was born in Bundaberg and performed around Australia and overseas.

References

1. G Peter Burgis, ‘Moncrieff, Gladys Lillian (1892–1976)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/moncrieff-gladys-lillian-7621/text13319, published first in hardcopy 1986, accessed online 15 August 2017.

2. TROPICAL THEATRE. (1923, August 27). The Bundaberg Mail (Qld. : 1917 – 1925), p. 4. Retrieved August 15, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218243539

3. Cryle, D., Cosgrove B & Boyle, R (2000). ‘Birch, Carrol and Coyle and the regional picture palace: a case study’, Transformations, no1, pp 1-9, accessed 21 July 2017, from http://www.transformationsjournal.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Transformations01_Cryle-Cosgrove-Boyle.pdf

4. Australian Variety and Popular Culture Entertainment: Timeline 1900-1999, Australian Variety Theatre Archive, last updated 9 March 2017, accessed July 21 2017, from https://ozvta.com/avta-site-map/

F.C. BROWN & CO (Now Berts)

163 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg

F. C. Brown and Co, the funeral firm, was started back in the late 19th century by a Welsh immigrant – Frederick Charles Brown – who arrived in Australia at Maryborough at just 14 years of age in December 1878. He settled in Bundaberg and starting working for cabinet maker Timothy Buckley. Mr Buckley started his funeral business in 1875, which Frederick later took over in 1889.

Frederick established his cabinet making and undertakers business in the two storey building at 163 Bourbong Street in 1897. Designed by Mr. F.H. Faircloth and built by N.C. Steffensen it was noted as the ‘latest addition to the architectural beauties of Bourbon (sic) Street’. With a large furniture showroom, a machine room and workshop, office and undertaking plant room it had a 22 foot street frontage and a depth of 100 feet.  Barn doors provided access from the first floor to the rear Post Office Lane.  Coffins were regularly transported this way.

The undertakers also had a magnificant horse drawn hearse which is now owned by a heavy horse business in SEQ and is still in use.

F.C. Brown & Co had an enviable reputation for quality, locally made furniture.  Frederick was also a very savvy business man – acquiring suitable wooded land and his own sawmill to provide timber for his cabinet making. The business operated from the building until the 1960s.  Still one of the oldest family owned firms in Bundaberg – F.C.Brown & co. – is now being run by the third and fourth generations of the Brown family.

References

1. Newspaper coverage of opening of new premises The Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser 8 Jan 1904 Pg 3

2. Newspaper article about F.C.Brown & Co. Courier Mail 06032013

3. Record of arrival of Frederick Charles Brown as an immigrant Qld Archives ITM18478 Register of Passengers on immigrant ships arriving in Qld 1878-1882

4. F.C. Brown Obituary Bundaberg Newsmail 7 July 1942 F.C. Brown Obituary

5. Drayhorse Shires Carriages & Harnesses https://www.drayhorseshires.com/funeral-carriages/

6. Buss Park ca.1952 State Library of Qld. IE221203 https://collections.slq.qld.gov.au/viewer/IE221203

7. The Bundaberg Mail and Burnett advertiser 29 July 1903 pg.4 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/215616717?searchTerm=F.C.Brown

ANZAC PARK

163 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg

The original Returned Soldiers’ Memorial Baths were constructed on the Quay Street site on behalf of the RSSILA after the soldiers decided that memorial baths and club rooms should be erected as a memorial to lives lost and those who served in WWI. The Baths were funded by public subscription and erected on land donated by the Council.

The foundation stone of the Returned Soldiers’ Memorial Baths was laid on the 25 August, 1923, by Miss Ethel Campbell, known as the “Angel of Durban”.  The baths were officially opened later that year by the Mayor of Bundaberg Alderman WSP Gavegan on 17 November, 1923 and consisted of a concrete pool, 100 feet by 36 feet, ranging in depth from 3 feet to 8 feet with a diving tower and springboard which had been filled with salt water from the river.  

Many years on, after collapse of one of the concrete walls of the pool in July 1955, the Council decided to construct a new pool.  The project was Bundaberg’s first Olympic-sized pool and diving complex.   Designed by Mr Brewer and built in 1955 on the site of the Returned Soldiers’ Memorial Pool, the Anzac Memorial Pool cost £20000 ($40000).  However, whilst under State Heritage listing recommendation, Anzac Pool was demolished in October 2022 by the then Bundaberg Regional Council. The Anzac Pool had a strong social and cultural association with the Bundaberg Community. As both a visual landmark and a living commemorative marker, the pool was a symbolic reference to the communities’ involvement in both WWI & WWII.

References

1. Bundaberg Mail Wed 28 March1923 p.3 Abandoned: Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, Swimmers Baths Favoured https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/216464181?searchTerm=%22swiming%20baths%22#

2. Bundaberg Mail Sat 25 August 1923 pgs. 4 & 5 – RSSILA Memorial Baths Ceremony
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/218247009/23583402#
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/218247047/23583403#

3. Bundaberg News Mail Fri 27 April 1956 – Praise of Swim Pool Appreciated
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/284310304?searchTerm=Pool

4. Swimming pool Bundaberg, ca 1928. State Library of Queensland IE 228298
https://collections.slq.qld.gov.au/viewer/IE228298

FALLON HOUSE

1 Maryborough Street, Bundaberg

Fallon House was named in honour of former central branch secretary and state secretary of the AWU Clarence Edward Fallon. The building was designed by Brisbane architects DB Goodsir and HJ Carlyle, built by L. Edwards, and opened in 1953. It is a low set brick modernist style structure comprising offices addressing Maryborough Street and a hall at the rear accessed from Quay Street.

Fallon House, as the Central District Office of the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), is a product of the growth of the union in Queensland in the first half of the 20th century. It is important in demonstrating the evolution of workers’ history in Queensland and the influential contribution that the union movement has made to the development of the state. The construction of a purpose built AWU office and hall in 1953 occurred at a time when the union was at its peak, with the Queensland Branch having been the largest branch of Australia’s largest trade union for 40 years.

The Bundaberg News Mail reported in December 1952 that the £16,000 AWU building was under construction and was the largest non-government building project in Bundaberg at the time.

In continuous use since 1953 as the AWU’s Central District Office, the building was named in honour of Clarence George (Clarrie) Fallon, Bundaberg organiser from 1921, who became state secretary of the union by 1933, and was vice-president of the executive of both the ALP and the AWU by 1950.

References

1. Qld State Heritage Listing No 602814 https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/?id=602814

2.Bundaberg News Mail, 19 December 1952, p. 2.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/283530603?browse=ndp%3Abrowse%2Ftitle%2FB%2Ftitle%2F1925%2F1952%2F12%2F19%2Fpage%2F32128601%2Farticle%2F283530603#

3. Fallon House 1953 Image: SLQ IE220990 https://hdl.handle.net/10462/deriv/193624

4. Bundaberg Newsmail 2 Dec 1963 Pg 3
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/282972191?searchTerm=%22fallon%20house%20Bundaberg%22

5. Sunday Mail 15 Jan 1950 Pg 4. “Hundreds pay final tribute – Mourn Clarrie Fallon”
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/98288129?searchTerm=fallon#

ST ANDREW’S UNITING CHURCH

61 Woongarra Street, Bundaberg

St Andrews Uniting Church, Bundaberg was erected in 1932 as St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and replaced an earlier Presbyterian church erected on the site in 1882. The land had been purchased in 1881 and was held in trust by three senior members of the congregation on behalf of the Presbyterian Church in Bundaberg.

The 1932 church was built largely with funds generated by the Bundaberg Presbyterian community.

Prominent Brisbane architect Lange L. Powell designed St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Powell had designed a number of important structures in Queensland including the Brisbane Masonic Temple and was highly regarded by the time he designed St Andrew’s.

The design was well received by the community and local headlines on the day on which the Church was dedicated read ‘Latest Addition to Bundaberg Architecture’. The local press also emphasized that Powell had spent some of his childhood in Bundaberg while his father had served as the town’s Methodist Minister.

The tower, of “battlement design”, dominates the building and was dedicated to those members of St Andrew’s community who died during the First World War. It contains a carillon, or set of bells, which are ‘rung’ by means of a keyboard.  The shield at the top of the bell tower depicts the white cross of Saint Andrew on a blue background which is also Scotland’s national flag.

Designed as a ‘broad free gothic style’ and moderated to allow for the sub-tropical climate, it is now operated as a Seventh Day Adventist Church.

References

1. Queensland State Heritage Listing St Andrews Uniting Church (former) No 602489 https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/?id=602489

2. The Brisbane Courier 5 Sept 1932 Pg 14 “New Church Dedicated” https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/21993280?searchTerm=%22St%20Andrews%20Bundaberg%22#

3. (St Andrews) Presbyterian Church Bundaberg ca.1932 State Library of Qld IE389173 https://collections.slq.qld.gov.au/viewer/IE389173

CHRIST CHURCH

59 Woongarra Street, Bundaberg

In the 1890s Reverend William Morris began a building fund to finance the construction of a new Anglican church. Architect J.H. Buckeridge prepared the plans for the building at around this time, but it was another 30 years before the construction of Christ Church began.

 In 1920 the foundation stone was laid and a building committee appointed prominent Bundaberg architect Frederick Herbert Faircloth to oversee the building of the Church. Construction progressed slowly, hampered by depleting funds and numerous lay-off periods, but on February 20th 1927, Christ Church was officially opened by Archbishop Gerald Sharp. Almost 40 years had elapsed from The completed Christ Church displays the characteristic features of the English Gothic style: pointed arched arcades and architraves, narrow lancet windows, buttresses and a vaulted ceiling.

 In 1929, several pieces of masonry from Westminster Abbey and York Minster were incorporated into the Church. The lynch gate was erected and dedicated in 1935.

References

1. Christ Church, Bundaberg (2014), a report by Bundaberg Regional Council, accessed August 21st 2017 from http://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/files/Christ_Church_Bundaberg.pdf

2. Rackemann, N. (1992), Bundaberg: From Pioneers to Prosperity, Bundaberg: Bundaberg City Council.

3. Osborn, A. (2014), Pioneers, Parishioners and Priests: of the Anglican Church Bundaberg. Bundaberg.

WINTERGARDEN THEATRE

2 Maryborough Street, Bundaberg

Opened in 1929 the Wintergarden Theatre was built in under 6 months for £25,000 for Birch Carroll & Coyle and was, at the time, one of 4 large theatres in Bundaberg.  Replacing the old Austral Hall, it was designed by architect Mr. P.O.E.Hawkes specifically for the Birch Carroll & Coyle company.  At the time it was the 4^th theatre opened in 4 years, being part of their extensive expansion in Queensland.

With a capacity to seat 1400 patrons comfortably in ‘one of the finest provincial theatres in Australia”, it was lavishly decorated with elaborate mouldings and statues and designed for multipurpose entertainment. Additionally, it had a unique multi-coloured lighting installed which were ‘greatly admired’. It had the honour of screening the first “talkies’ movie in August 1929 showing Al Jolson’s “The Jazz Singer” using Warner Brothers ‘Cinesound’. Even Anna Pavlova and company performed on the stage on her second tour of Australia in March 1929.

The much-loved institution and popular venue in Bundaberg it was host to various Stage events, Follies, and Movies over nearly 80 years with the last movie screened on 22 June 1968 when television and drive in theatres were having a negative impact on patronage of older style theatres. After being purchased by (Bundaberg Regional) Council in 2022 it has recently been refurbished at a cost of $7.5million.

References

1. Wintergarden Theatre Image Source: Picture Bundaberg BRN168508
https://bundaberg.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=168508

2. Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser Fri 1 Mar 1929 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/151649321?searchTerm=wintergarden%20bundaberg#

3. Cryle, Denis; Johansen, Winifred (2006). Maintaining a tradition of mixed entertainments: Birch, Carroll & Coyle’s regional Queensland Wintergarden Theatres. CQUniversity. Journal contribution. https://hdl.handle.net/10018/7333 https://acquire.cqu.edu.au/ndownloader/files/25808990

4. Bundaberg Daily News and Mail 4 Aug 1929 pg. 8 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/283754554?searchTerm=The%20Jazz%20Singer%20wintergarden%20bundaberg%22#

5. Bundaberg Daily News and Mail 30 Mar 1929 pg.12 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/283973707?searchTerm=%27Anna%20Pavlova%20Bundaberg%27%23#

6. ‘Construction work peels back Wintergarden History’ – Building Industry online 10 April 2022 http://www.buildingindustryonline.com.au/2022/04/10/construction-work-peels-back-wintergarden-history-bundaberg-now-bundaberg-now/

BUNDABERG CENTRAL STATE SCHOOL

13 Crofton Street, Bundaberg

Bundaberg Central State School, previously known as Bundaberg South State School, was established in January 1875 on the site of the present-day Buss Park, Christ Church Anglican Church and the Civic centre.

The school was moved to its current site in Crofton Street in July 1890. Originally split into boys’ and girls’ schools, it officially merged to become Bundaberg Central State School in 1926. The original school building, designed by architects Robert and John Ferguson and built by William Calvert, was completed in 1890 at a cost of £2600. Known as the Ferguson building, it is composed of three blocks arranged symmetrically in a U-shape around a former parade ground. It includes high-quality decorative features such as timberwork, cast iron balustrades and a tall ventilation spire.

This structure, along with two play sheds built in 1900 and 1907, are the significant buildings of Bundaberg Central State School. The remnants of the forestry plot of hoop pines planted in 1955, is still visible.

Having educated generations of Bundaberg Students, Central School will celebrate its 150^th anniversary on November 22, 2025.

References

1. Queensland Heritage Listing Bundaberg Central State School No 601533 https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/?id=601533

2. Central School ca.1910 State Library pf Qld IE389614 https://collections.slq.qld.gov.au/viewer/IE389614

3. Central School ca.1910 State Library pf Qld IE389611 https://collections.slq.qld.gov.au/viewer/IE389611

FINEMORE’S DENTAL SURGERY

76 Woongarra Street, Bundaberg

This lovely double bay window fronted building functioned as a dental surgery from about 1914, and its internal features are classic examples of the ‘Arts & Craft’ movement with art nouveau style-stained windows, architraves and various door and window fittings.

Originally Dr D.S.M. Finemore’s surgery, he had his family home “Kalinga” immediately next door in Woongarra Street.   

Dr. Finemore played an active and leading role in the establishment of the R.A.C.Q. in Bundaberg.  He was the first president of the local branch of the R.A.C.Q.

The building was actually used as a dental surgery until the covid years and was eventually sold to Council in 2024.

References

1. Woongarra St Bundaberg from Post Office Tower n.d. Image Source: Picture Bundaberg BRN 190882
https://bundaberg.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=190882

2. “From Two Pens – A Selection of Historical Bundaberg Homes and Buildings” Images Trevor Lyons; Words N. Rackemann 1984. ISBN 09589052402. Available from private collection Bundaberg Regional Library

4BU BUILDING (FORMER)

55 Woongarra Street, Bundaberg

The Bundaberg Broadcasters company was formed in 1935 by a group of local businessmen keen for their community to join the new but rapidly-expanding world of radio broadcasting in Australia.  The station broadcast from premises leased from Wyper Brothers and later from Bundaberg City Council.  It established a transmitter at Kalkie which can still be seen from Bargara Road.

By the 50s station management saw the need for upgraded studio premises and land was purchased at 55 Woongarra St for the facility.  The building was designed by architect Herbert Stewart-Narine in a ‘modernist’ style.  It featured floor to ceiling glass facing the street, a flat roof with a rolled edge and a setback from the street frontage.  Internally it contained geometric features popular at the time including an undulating ceiling, geometric wall features and timber panelling.  The ground floor was devoted to administrative functions with two sound-proofed broadcast studios upstairs, accessed by a sweeping curved staircase and a ‘sine wave’ balustrade.  4BU started broadcasting from the building in 1957.

In 1992 once again Bundaberg Broadcasters felt the need for more space, with the addition of HITZ-FM, and moved to newly-constructed premises on the corner of Maryborough and Crofton St.  The old building was for a time the Strand restaurant but more recently is being used by Bundaberg Regional Council as office space.

The building was Heritage Listed in 2000 to recognise its cultural, architectural and community importance.

References

1. Qld State Heritage Listing 601284 4BU Radio Station (Former)  https://environment.ehp.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/?id=601284

2. Bundaberg Regional Council Interview with Tomas O’Malley (architect) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KKZxvlHidg

3. 4BU Radio Station 1978 Image source: Picture Bundaberg BRN400749 https://bundaberg.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=400749

LINDEN CLINIC

11A Barolin Street, Bundaberg

The Linden Clinic (former) was built by Dr Egmont Schmidt in 1913.  Linden was designed by the prominent Maryborough architect, POE Hawkes and erected in 1913 by N.C Steffensen. Although based in Maryborough, Hawkes designed a significant number of buildings in the Bundaberg region, including for the local businessman, Frederic Buss.

During the building of ‘Linden’ a time capsule containing currency and newspapers was placed in one of the walls. The capsule was not to be removed until the building was demolished.

The Hawkes-designed building originally consisted of exposed brick on the ground level and ‘rough cast’ on the first floor, although the entire exterior of the building is now rough cast. The architectural style is loosely coined ‘Federation’, which incorporated various features common in other established architectural styles such as ‘Queen Anne’, and was popular at the turn of the twentieth century.

The origin of the name of the building is unclear: it could either refer to an avenue in Berlin lined with Linden trees (Linden Strasse), the suburb of Linden in Hanover where Schmidt’s mother was born or simply after the Linden tree.  The building functioned as a residence and doctor surgery.

The property was originally larger, as there was also a tennis court and hall adjacent to the house.  Schmidt continued to practice medicine in the clinic until his death in 1956. The building has undergone substantial interior renovations, both the residence and surgery sections. Although there have been some external additions and changes (including, for example, extending the rough cast across the whole façade), the exterior of the original building remains relatively intact in its prominent corner position.

References

1. Linden Medical Centre History https://www.artsbundaberg.com.au/files/sharedassets/arts/v/2/libraries/documents/heritage/linden-dr-schmidt-story.pdf
https://www.lindenmed.com.au/_files/ugd/90b8d2_37b58a8286c14d59a97f6ffeee808c7b.pdf

2. “From Two Pens A Selection of Historical Bundaberg Homes and Buildings” Trevor Lyons 1984

3. Bundaberg Regional Council Heritage Place Card
https://mapping.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/planning_scheme/ps_heritage_place_cards/70.pdf

4. Linden Clinic 1950 Image: Picture Bundaberg BRN 180711
https://bundaberg.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=180711

HOLY ROSARY CHURCH

22 Barolin Street, Bundaberg

The Holy Rosary Church exists on the site of the first Catholic Church in Bundaberg.

The original Church was a modest wooden structure opened in 1875; however, by the 1880s, it was clear this building was too small for the needs of the parish. Father Constantine Rossolini, Bundaberg’s first parish priest, determined that a larger Church was needed to cater for the growing population and to reflect the significance of the town and its Catholic community.

Plans were drawn by architect Mr F.D.G Stanley and the foundation stone was laid on the 10th of October 1886. The brick and plaster construction was erected by local contractor Mr E. Boyle and the beautiful Romanesque structure we have today was opened on the 13th of May 1888.

The highly revered Father Rossolini died in 1894 and was laid to rest in the grounds of the Church. A marble slab marking the resting place is located on the inner northern wall adjacent to the internal entrance of the northern transept.

References

1. Holy Rosary Catholic Church, report by Bundaberg Regional Council (2014), accessed August 18th 2017 from http://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/files/Holy_Rosary_Catholic_Church.pdf

2. King, Cathryn (2015), Holy Rosary Church. Bundaberg.

3. Rackemann, Neville (year), Bundaberg: From Pioneers to Prosperity. Bundaberg.

TERRACE PLACE

56 Targo Street, Bundaberg

The Terrace Place is a charming early federation-era, shop-house building. Originally constructed circa 1908 for painters, glaziers and decorators, George Penridge and Joseph Halley Gibson, it has graced the corner of Targo and Woondooma Streets for some 116 years, offering a rare and unique historic visual frontage on 2 sides.

The single skin timber 2-storey structure contributes enormously to the streetscape. It features a corrugated iron, hipped roof at the rear and a gable roof at the front above the veranda on the top storey. The original timber veranda balustrade has been replaced with decorative wrought iron.

It demonstrates the very early twentieth century Queensland era of attached residence and quintessential corner store and reflects the evolution of Bundaberg business. It has survived despite several flood events and can be seen standing defiantly above the waters in several historical photographs.

Over the years the building has been home to an extensive list of traders including German-born Albert Vollbon, tailor, Robert Highland, army-surplus retailer and Lesley & Thelma Hamel, fruit merchants.  After the Hamel’s, occupancy is largely anecdotal. The site has a varied history of mixed-use including a dress shop, photography studio, cake shop, hairdresser, but perhaps most intriguingly, an alleged brothel.

References

1. Penridge & Gibson Advertisement – The Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser, Tuesday 29 March, 1910, p.3
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/23374020?

2. Queensland Directories

3. Australian Electoral Rolls

4. Vollbon Advertisement – The Bundaberg Mail, Saturday 9 August, 1919, p.8
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/217125061?searchTerm=vollbon#

5. Highland Advertisement – Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser, Saturday 6 April, 1946, p.12 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/18221214%23

6. Hamel Advertisement – Bundaberg News-Mail 31 Aug 1946 Pg 4 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/32146703?searchTerm=%22Hamel%20Targo%20Street%22%23

7. Targo Street Flood 1942 Image: Picture Picture Bundaberg BRN 169366
https://bundaberg.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=169366

8. E.A. Vollbon Costumier Tailor 1930 Bundaberg Newsmail 10 June 1987 Pg. 2 and     image credit Rod Savidge

QUEEN’S THEATRE

31 Woongarra Street, Bundaberg

Planning began in July 1888 for the construction of another Theatre / Hall in 31 Woongarra Street at the rear of the Queen’s Hotel (which was located at 82 Bourbong Street).

It was built for Mr. William Redmond by Neils Carl Steffensen.  Mr Redmond was, at the time, the co-owner of the Queen’s Hotel with Mr. Fred Colman (who also owned the Commercial Hotel).

Its overall measurement was 150ft x 40ft and was estimated to cost of £2500. In very short time it then opened on 8 March 1889 with a variety performance by “Harry Rickards New Comedy and Speciality Company”.

One of the world’s most renowned sopranos – Gladys Moncrieff (1892-1976) who was born in Bundaberg began her career on the stage of Queens’ Theatre at the age of 6.  Gladys sang, “The Merriest Girl Who’s Out” accompanied by her piano-tuner father, Reg, and gave an encore in return for a shilling.  She was a so successful in musical theatre and recordings worldwide that she became known as “Australia’s Queen of Song” and “Our Glad”.

Entertainment over the years took the form of concerts, lectures, skating, public meetings and, before its conversion to offices, it was a Rollerdrome (skating rink) in the 1960’s.

References

1. Inside Queen’s Theatre Bundaberg ca 1900 State Library of Qld IE227599
https://collections.slq.qld.gov.au/viewer/IE227599

2. Queen’s Theatre 1889 State Library of Qld IE227836 https://collections.slq.qld.gov.au/viewer/IE227836

3. “Queen’s Theatre Bundaberg” Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser 9 Mar 1889 Pg 5 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/146670021?searchTerm=%22Queen%27s%20Theatre%20Bundaberg%22#

4. Obituary Maryborough Chronicle 18 Sept 1947 Pg.3
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/147457666

MASONIC HALL

61 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg

Originally constructed in 1917 for W.J. Heathwood by the owner Alderman C.W. Buss, both dedicated members of the Bundaberg Chamber of Commerce, this building was a bustling business selling drapery, millinery, hardware, and groceries.

Then in 1926, Alderman Buss generously gifted the whole building to the Bundaberg Freemasons on condition the top story be utilised as a Masonic Temple. At handover it was estimated to be worth £10,000.

Subsequent works by contractor Mr. John Young under the direction of architect Mr. P.O.E. Hawkes, converted the first floor into a Lodge room and banqueting hall.  The Lodge is dominated by a magnificent blue dome ceiling symbolising the star-studded heavens and, in the centre, hangs a large capital G which refers to God.

The Temple was consecrated and dedicated on 6 June 1927 when newspaper reports the “dignified beauty” (of the temple) “which is unsurpassed by any Masonic Temple in Queensland”.

Freemasonry was established in Bundaberg over 130 years ago. Today the Freemasons engage in numerous community work and assist local organisations through financial donations.

References

1. Bundaberg Now – “Door opened on secret men’s business” 6 March 2022
https://www.brcnow.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/2022/03/06/door-opened-secret-mens-business/

2. Bundaberg Now – “Freemasons share history during Open House” 24 August 2019
https://www.brcnow.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/2019/08/24/freemasons-share-history-during-open-house/

3. Image: Picture Bundaberg BRN173977 “Bourbon (Bourbong) Street” 1920
https://bundaberg.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=173977

4. Image: Picture Bundaberg BRN181778 “Bourbong Street” n.d.
https://bundaberg.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=181778

5. The Brisbane Courier. 7 June 1927. Pg 12. “Masonic Temple Consecration Ceremony at Bundaberg” https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/21840861?searchTerm=Masonic%20Hall%20Bundaberg#

6. Bundaberg Daily News and Mail. 7 June 1927. Pg2. “New Masonic Temple Dedicated”
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/283948536/31919654#

7. Bundaberg Daily News and Mail 6 June 1927 Pg 3
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/283956206?searchTerm=Masonic%20Hall%20Bundaberg#