rotundas

Queen's Park, known among the region’s older residents as “The Old Gardens”, was originally selected in the 1880s as a Botanic Garden Reserve. Community-minded citizens became trustees of the area which was developed with the implementation of fences, gates, and pathways. Paying due respect to the natural vegetation which included “pretty trees and vines which form a handsome clump of indigenous vegetation”. The area was prone to flooding and in 1894 an area of land was selected in North Bundaberg and was proclaimed as a Botanic Gardens. Queen's Park boasts many beautiful trees, many of which remain representative of the original rainforest vegetation. Over 100 rainforest species have been identified in the park. Source: www.bundabergnow.com/2020/03/04/queens-park-link-with-ori...

There is another park featuring a bandstand in Bundaberg. Band Rotunda One of the main features of Alexandra Park is the rotunda. Concerts by the Naval Band and others were often held in the park and were well attended. However, the bands had to stand in the full sun whilst listeners could relax in the shade of trees. The Parks report was presented to Council at its meeting on 28 September 1910, Alderman Redmond noted that “...there was one thing lacking…” in the Park - a bandstand - which he hoped the Parks Committee would consider. Alderman Maynard vouched for his agreement and maintained a bandstand would “...enhance the value of the park”. At the Council meeting on 15 December, 1910 plans for a bandstand were presented. Well-known Bundaberg architect Mr. Faircloth drew up plans for a “...handsome and roomy bandstand”. The Bundaberg Mail “...hoped that nothing will be allowed to stand in the way of providing such a very necessary convenience”. The Mayor (Ald. Nielson) donated £50 (his Mayoral allowance) towards the cost of the band stand31,32,33. Other funds came from government parks and gardens grants and the outstanding balance was then initially to be sourced “...from the public by subscription or otherwise”. From newspaper accounts, it doesn’t appear, however, that the public was asked to put their hands in their pockets to contribute to the cost of the bandstand itself. Tenders for the building of the bandstand were called for soon after the Council meeting on 16 December, to be ready for the next meeting on 11 January 1911. Two tenders were received but were rejected, and it was decided to call for tenders again at a later date. This occurred on 28 March 37, and in early April it was announced that the sole tender received in this second round was successful. Mr. John Heaps won the tender with a quote of £160 for a rotunda with iron railings or £158 for wooden railings. The quote for a rotunda featuring iron railings was accepted. The bandstand was officially opened on Wednesday evening 8 November 1911. A crowd of 400-500 was present to hear the Naval Band plays in the new rotunda, and Alderman Redmond, in the absence of the Mayor (Ald. Stevenson), performed the opening duties. The new rotunda was “...regarded as a memorial to Alderman Neilson - fitting that he should be remembered in the gardens and his name should be on the bandstand. Source: www.artsbundaberg.com.au/downloads/file/67/alexandra-park...

As in other cities around Australia, the residents of Brisbane welcomed the new year, the new century, and the new nation on Commonwealth Day, 1 January 1901. The festivities planned for Brisbane were both formal and fun. Churches held services where official prayers were said for the new Commonwealth and for Queen Victoria. Governor Lamington had responsibility for reading the proclamation of the Commonwealth of Australia and the message from Queen Victoria to the Australian people. The people of Brisbane were joined by those from surrounding districts and further afield, who had made the trip by train to see the processions and parades. Women and men were dressed in their finest clothes, and important businesses and public buildings of Brisbane were equally well decorated for the occasion. Source: getting-it-together.moadoph.gov.au/queensland/celebration...

The rotunda is a central component of the Ilfracombe War Memorial precinct located in the center of town on the Landsborough Highway. It features sandstone tile facings and sandstone fence piers supplied by renowned masonry company J.H. Wagner & Sons. The Rotunda is a generic war memorial, with the bronze dedication plaque on the front wall panel honoring those Australians who served in ALL WARS. Inscription WE GRATEFULLY HONOUR THE MEN & WOMEN OF ILFRACOMBE & DISTRICT WHO SERVED THEIR COUNTRY IN TIMES OF CONFLICT - WE REMEMBER THEM - Source: www.qldwarmemorials.com.au/memorial?id=651