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Diving into our Local History: What did ANZAC Park Used to Look Like?

Diving into our Local History: What did ANZAC Park Used to Look Like?

24th April 2024

Diving into our Local History: What did ANZAC Park Used to Look Like?

As we approach ANZAC Day, we’re taking a look back in time at the lush heritage-listed parklands that sit adjacent to the Breakwater Marina here on the Strand.

The Strand Parklands, initially constructed in 1912, were designed primarily for leisure and rejuvenation. A key feature of this development was the establishment of a bandstand Rotunda in 1913, intended for open-air concerts that allowed residents to relish balmy summer evenings amidst the outdoors.

From at least the 1920s, The Strand Park was a focus for Anzac Day ceremonies. In 1923–24 a memorial clocktower was erected in the park in memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in WW1.

The Parklands were officially re-named ANZAC Memorial Park in 1932 after it was suggested by the RSL with a memorial arch built over the entrance gates prior to Anzac Day 1934.

The colourful Centenary Fountain was unveiled as a centerpiece in 1964, an illuminated water fountain that has 68 colour changes with multicoloured lights. Anzac Park also contains a number of memorial structures including the Battle of the Coral Sea Memorial and the Garden of Remembrance, with each year, on ANZAC Day and other significant occasions, the wider community gathers to honor the fallen, to reflect on the cost of freedom, and to reaffirm their commitment to never forget.

We're very lucky to have these beautiful commemorative parklands as a backdrop to our Marina Community. If you have the time to attend this year's ANZAC Day Commemorations, the Dawn service starts from 5.20am.

For more interesting photos and stories of Townsville's history, head to: https://stories.townsville.qld.gov.au/

Credits for photos from QLD Gov, https://queenslandplaces.com.au/ and various photos from the Facebook Group "I Grew Up In Townsville"

Update from May 2023
To follow up on our ANZAC Park post, we see that the Bandstand Rotunda's makeover has been completed adding an all-access ramp.

The Rotunda is located at the far end of the parklands which are adjacent to B Finger and is a beautiful 'backyard' to explore whilst staying in Breakwater Marina.

As early as 1901, Council had considered erecting a new bandstand on the popular beachland area called "The Strand", but this project did not eventuate until 1913.

On 11 April 1913 Mayor John Henry Tyack proposed erecting a bandstand on the Strand opposite Customs House in what is now ANZAC Park.

Tyack unfortunately died in July 1913, prior to the completion of the bandstand later that year.

Initially, the bandstand was located opposite the main entrance gates to the park.

It was relocated to the eastern end of the park when the Queensland Centenary Fountain was constructed on the same site in 1959.

📸 Townsville City Council Stories of Townsville; Amy Jewell Family Collection, BWM Photo Collection.