rotundas

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

Newstead Park is a significant historic park in the Brisbane suburb of Newstead. The park is located at the mouth of Breakfast Creek. In May each year, the park is host to the commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea. A playspace featuring an "Alice Through the Looking Glass" theme is located in the park. The land originally formed a part of the land purchased by Patrick Leslie in 1845 on which he built Newstead House. Source: www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/nature-and...

Newstead Park is a significant historical park. There are a number of educational plaques about the history and botanical features of the area called Brisbane Blooms. On one side is a monument called Lyndon B Johnson Place, while on the other side is a monument commemorating the John Oxley landing in December 1823. There are other military statues, including a Royal Australian Navy memorial. There is a prominent statue, that is a war memorial which was opened by U.S. President Lyndon B Johnson. Concerts are sometimes held in the house and grounds, including the commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea in May each year. ewstead Park was originally ‘part of a government farm’ as part of the Moreton Bay Penal Settlement. It was then bought by pastoralist Patrick Leslie in 1845, but sold two years later to his brother-in-law, Captain John Wickham. It was the government residence until 1895 when Queensland became a colony. In 1915, Brisbane City Council “knowing that the people appreciated the city parks, stepped in and acquired the whole of the property for the use of the people of Brisbane.” The land was purchased by Patrick Leslie in 1845 where he built Newstead House. It was designed by Harry Moore. There is also an old substation building and electric tide recorder, which you might find interesting. Newstead Park is located on Breakfast Creek Road, Newstead, Brisbane QLD 4006. newsteadhouse.com.au/

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. In the Parks Report 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 consider30. Alderman Maynard vouched for his agreement and maintained a bandstand would “...enhance the value of the park”. The Mayor (Ald. Nielson) donated £50 (his Mayoral allowance) towards the cost of the band stand. 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 band stand 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 March37, and in early April it was announced that the sole tender received in this second round was successful38. 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 play 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”. Aldermen Nielson died suddenly on 11 October 1911. He had been a great supporter of the Naval Band and of the construction of a bandstand. Soon after Ald. Nielson’s death the Mayor received a letter from Mr. WG Lewis, Secretary of the School of Arts, wishing the Council and the people of Bundaberg to honor the late Alderman with “...a drinking fountain or marble tablet in the new bandstand”. He felt sure that an appeal to Bundaberg citizens would yield the necessary funds and he began the appeal by enclosing a cheque for one guinea with his letter. Over time many more people donated and a plaque was added to the rotunda in 1912. Source: www.artsbundaberg.com.au/downloads/file/67/alexandra-park...