Bowen Harbour Board Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bowen Harbour Board Building |
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Bowen Harbour Board Building, 2014
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| Location | 6 Herbert Street, Bowen, Whitsunday Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1919 - 1930s (interwar period) |
| Built | 1921 |
| Official name: Bowen Harbour Board Building (former), Queensland Transport, McDonald Hamilton & Company | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600041 |
| Significant period | 1921 (fabric) 1921-1930, 1931-1985 (historical) |
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The Bowen Harbour Board Building is an old office building in Bowen, Australia. It was built in 1921. This building is important because of its history. It is now listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. It has also been known as Queensland Transport and McDonald Hamilton & Company.
Contents
History of the Building
The Bowen Harbour Board building was built in 1921. It was first made for a shipping company called McDonald Hamilton & Company.
How Bowen Started
In the 1800s, people needed a good harbour in North Queensland. This was to help move goods around. In 1859, the government offered a reward to find one. Captain Henry Daniel Sinclair found a great spot. He named it Port Denison.
The first settlers arrived in 1861. The town was officially named Bowen. It was named after the Queensland Governor, Sir George Ferguson Bowen. Bowen quickly became a busy port. It helped the farming industry in the north.
The Harbour Board's Role
A "Harbour Board" helps manage a port. They make sure ships can come and go. They also look after the wharves and cargo. In 1913, people in Bowen wanted a Harbour Board. They thought the port needed better management.
So, the Bowen Harbour Board Act was created in 1914. The Board started meeting in 1915. They made changes to how money was collected. This helped the port earn more money. The extra money allowed them to build new cargo sheds. This helped the port grow even more.
Building Changes Hands
As the port grew, the Harbour Board needed new offices. They chose the building built in 1921. This building was first used by MacDonald Hamilton and Co. They left Bowen in 1930.
In 1929, two banks merged. They bought the building. In 1931, they sold it to the Bowen Harbour Board. The Board paid £1150 for it. The top floor was rented out to Mr A. V. Murrey. He was a secretary for several local businesses. His son took over the lease after him.
Dealing with Cyclones
The building has been hit by cyclones many times. In 1959, its roof was damaged. It was then fixed with strong galvanised iron.
Later Uses of the Building
In 1963, Bowen Consolidated Mines moved out. Bowen Salt Ltd. then used the top floor. They stayed until their own offices were ready in 1965.
After that, the top floor was empty for a while. In 1967, the Bowen Historical Society used it. They paid only 20 cents a week! They stayed there until 1979. Later, other groups used the space. These included shipping agents and an arts council gallery.
The Harbour Board used the first floor until 1985. By then, other ports like Townsville were more important. Bowen's port was not as busy. So, the Harbour Board was officially closed. The Harbours and Marine Department took over the building.
The building was repaired in 1988. It cost $200,000 to fix it up. More changes were made in 1994. Air conditioning was added. In 1998, the ground floor was renovated. A new main entrance was built.
Today, Queensland Transport uses the front offices.
What the Building Looks Like
The former Bowen Harbour Board Building is on a corner. It is near the main street of Bowen. It looks out over Port Denison.
It is a two-storey building made of brick. It has a hipped roof made of corrugated iron. A smaller part sticks out from the back. It has a brick chimney. There is a wooden verandah on two sides. It also wraps around to the back.
At the corner, there is a special hexagonal tower. It has a pyramid-shaped roof. From here, you can see the bay.
The outside walls are rough and textured. They have flat columns called pilasters. The windows are made of wood. They have two parts that slide up and down.
The verandah posts have decorative details. The underside of the verandah is made of corrugated steel.
The main entrance is on Herbert Street. You walk up several steps to reach it. The front doors are glass French doors. Many French doors lead from the upper floor to the verandah.
Inside, you can see beautiful silky oak wood. It is used for counters, walls, cupboards, and the staircase. The back door to the stairs has colourful glass.
A new entrance was added in 1998. It is on the side, off Herbert Street. This entrance makes it easier for wheelchairs to get in.
Why It's a Heritage Site
The former Bowen Harbour Board Building was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. This means it is an important historical place.
Important to History
This building helped show how Bowen Harbour grew. It was home to the Bowen Harbour Board for 64 years. It also played a big part in Bowen's community. Many businesses and groups used its offices. These include Bowen Consolidated Mines, Bowen Salt Works, and the Bowen Historical Society.
Looks and Design
The building is close to the harbour. It adds a lot to the historic look of Bowen's streets. Its two storeys and verandah are special. The octagonal tower with its pyramid roof makes it stand out.
Special Connections
The building has a strong link to many important groups in Bowen's history. It was used by businesses like Bowen Consolidated Mines and Bowen Salt Works. It also housed community groups like the Bowen Historical Society and the Arts Council's gallery.
Images for kids
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MacDonald Hamilton and Co. offices (later Bowen Harbour Board Building), circa 1921
