Buss Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Buss Park |
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The cenotaph of Bert Hinkler
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| Type | Park |
| Location | Bundaberg Central, Bundaberg, Bundaberg Region, Queensland |
| Owned by | Bundaberg Regional Council |
Buss Park is a beautiful park located in Bundaberg Central, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. It sits right next to the Christ Church and the local council offices. The park is well-known for its lovely gardens and special memorials. The most important one is a large granite monument dedicated to the famous pilot, Bert Hinkler.
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Why is it called Buss Park?
The park was named after Frederic Buss when it first opened in 1930. He was an early pioneer in the area. In 1888, Frederic Buss made a very kind donation to help make the city more beautiful.
Who was Frederic Buss?
Frederic William Buss (1845-1926) moved to Queensland from England in 1863. He started a department store called Buss & Turner in 1888. His businesses grew to include real estate and he became an important person in the local sugar industry. He was active in local groups and the town council. In 1888, he gave £500 to help make Bundaberg look nicer. This money helped plant the famous Weeping Figs trees that line the main street.
A Park's Journey Through Time
This spot was first used as a school area in 1875. After the school moved, the land became known as the 'market reserve'. Over time, it started to look a bit run down. In the 1920s, people thought the reserve was an eyesore. So, in the 1930s, the local council decided to clean it up and turn it into the lovely park we see today.
Honoring a Flying Hero: Bert Hinkler
In 1936, a special monument was put in the park to remember Bert Hinkler. He was a brave pilot born in Bundaberg. The Governor-General of Australia, Lord Gowrie, officially revealed the monument. This monument, called a cenotaph, is made in a Greek style. It weighs 40 tonnes and cost about £1500 to build.
The front of the monument has a message that says:
A tribute to the memory of Squadron-Leader H.J.L – Bert – Hinkler. Erected by the citizens of Australia. Born at Bundaberg 8th December 1892, accidentally killed in the Prato Magno Alps Tuscany Italy Eighth January 1933 while flying to Australia
The back of the monument lists some of his amazing flights:
Principal Flights First solo flight from Great Britain to Australia First flight across South Atlantic Ocean from west to east
