Marburg Community Centre and First World War Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marburg Community Centre and First World War Memorial |
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Marburg Community Centre, 2014 (war memorial tablet in the lower right corner)
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| Location | 71 Edmond Street, Marburg, City of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1900 - 1914 (early 20th century) |
| Built | 1912 - 1919 |
| Architect | George Brockwell Gill |
| Official name: Marburg Community Centre and First World War Memorial, National Bank of Australasia, Queensland National Bank (Former) | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600733 |
| Significant period | 1910s (fabric) 1912-1975 (historical use as bank) 1919-ongoing (social: war memorial) |
| Significant components | flagpole/flagstaff, memorial - plaque, strong room, residential accommodation - staff quarters, bank |
| Builders | Hastie and Halliwell |
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The Marburg Community Centre and First World War Memorial is a special building in Marburg, Australia. It used to be a bank and now serves as a community centre. This important place also features a memorial dedicated to soldiers from the First World War.
The bank building was designed by George Brockwell Gill and built in 1912. The war memorial was added in 1919. This site is also known as the National Bank of Australasia and the Queensland National Bank. It was officially added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992, recognizing its historical value.
A Look Back in Time
This timber building was built in 1912 for the Queensland National Bank. It served as their branch office in Marburg. The Queensland National Bank first opened a branch in Marburg in 1887. They used a temporary spot before building their own bank in 1888.
After a big banking crisis in 1893, the Marburg branch closed. The bank building was sold. But in 1906, the Queensland National Bank reopened in Marburg. It was the only bank in town at that time.
The New Bank Building
In 1911, a railway line was extended to Marburg. This made people feel more confident about the area's future. So, in August 1911, the Queensland National Bank bought the current spot. It was at the corner of Edmond and Queen Streets, close to the new railway station.
Between 1912 and 1919, Ipswich builders Hastie and Halliwell constructed the new bank. It was designed by Ipswich architect George Brockwell Gill. The building had a banking area, the manager's office, a strongroom, and a bedroom for a bank officer. The manager's house was a separate building.
By 1912, Marburg had two banks. Later, the Queensland National Bank became the only bank in Marburg after 1926.
A Memorial for Soldiers
In September 1919, a special flagstaff and a memorial tablet were placed in front of the bank. This memorial honored local soldiers who fought in the First World War. Many Australian troops were returning home then. Communities often showed their patriotism by creating memorials.
Choosing the bank's front yard for the memorial showed how important the Queensland National Bank was to the area. It was in the middle of town and provided financial help to local farmers.
From Bank to Community Centre
The building was used by the Queensland National Bank until 1948. Then, the National Bank of Australasia Limited took over. In 1970, the Marburg branch of the National Bank of Australasia closed. However, the building continued to operate as an agency until 1975.
In 1976, the Marburg & District Residents' Association Inc. bought the property. They now use the building as a community centre. A doctor's surgery also operates from part of the building, providing the only local medical service.
What Does It Look Like?
This building is a single-storey structure made of timber. It has a special roof called a gambrel roof, covered with corrugated iron. You can find it on the corner of Queen and Edmond Streets, right in the heart of Marburg. It's across from the Marburg Hotel.
The building has an L-shape. It stands on concrete and timber stumps. The front of the building, facing Edmond Street, has a central section with a decorative wall. The corner facing southeast has a beautiful timber porch. It has double entry doors, a criss-cross railing, and curved supports.
The western side of the building has a verandah that is partly enclosed. It has timber posts and a corrugated iron awning. The building also features sash windows with corrugated iron covers and timber supports.
Inside, the walls and ceilings are covered with timber boards. There are also decorative timber frames around doors and windows. A strongroom made of masonry is located in the center of the building. The floors are timber and covered with carpet.
The War Memorial
The First World War Memorial is located at the southeast corner of the property. It includes a marble plaque and a flagpole.
Why Is This Place Important?
The Marburg Community Centre and First World War Memorial is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it's a very important historical site.
A Piece of Queensland's Story
This place helps us understand how Queensland's history unfolded. It shows how Marburg grew into an important rural town in the early 1900s.
A Unique Memorial
The flagpole at the memorial is quite special. It's made from a sapling (a young tree). This makes it an unusual type of war memorial in Queensland.
A Great Example of a Bank Building
The building is a good example of a small, rural timber bank from the early 20th century. It still looks much like it did back then, and it even has its original bank vault!
Beautiful Design and Community Value
The building has a lovely design that the Marburg community values. Its size, shape, and materials, along with the war memorial, add to the beauty of Queen and Edmond streets and the whole town. The decorative timber work on the outside is also very appealing.
Important to the Community
This place is part of a historic area in Marburg. This area also includes the nearby Rosewood Scrub Historical Society Building and the Marburg Hotel. The Marburg community values this entire area for its social and cultural importance.
Connected to a Major Bank
The building has a special connection to the Queensland National Bank. This bank played a big role in helping rural Queensland develop in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
