World War I Cenotaph, Mackay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids World War I Cenotaph, Mackay |
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Mackay war memorial, 2005
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| Location | Jubilee Park, Alfred Street, Mackay, Mackay Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1919 - 1930s (interwar period) |
| Built | 1928 - 1929 |
| Architect | Stephen Harvey |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: World War I Cenotaph and Jubilee Park | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 August 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600667 |
| Significant period | 1928- (social) 1928-1973 (historical) 1928-1929(fabric) |
| Significant components | memorial surrounds/railings, memorial - column and orb |
| Builders | Melrose & Fenwick |
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The World War I Cenotaph in Mackay is a special memorial in Jubilee Park. It is located on Alfred Street in Mackay, Queensland, Australia. This important monument was designed by Stephen Harvey. It was built between 1928 and 1929 by a company called Melrose & Fenwick. The cenotaph is also known as the Mackay War Memorial. It is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because of its historical importance.
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History of the Mackay War Memorial
The Mackay Cenotaph was first shown to the public in 1929. It stood on the southern bank of the Pioneer River, near the Sydney Street Bridge. This memorial honors the 159 men from Mackay and the surrounding area. They died while fighting in World War I (WWI).
In 1945, the memorial was moved. It went to the northern edge of Jubilee Park. This park was built in 1935–36 to celebrate the jubilee of King George V. The cenotaph was moved again in 1973. The Mackay City Council was planning a new town center. The memorial was then placed on the side of the park facing Albert Street. It has stayed there ever since. It is a main spot for Anzac and Remembrance Day services. Other war memorials have been added around it.
Mackay was named after John Mackay. He led the first European discovery and settlement of the Pioneer River. The town was surveyed in 1863. The first sugar cane was planted in 1865. This crop became very important for the region. Mackay became a city in 1918.
Australia's Role in World War I
Before Australia became a united country, Mackay had its own defense force. Many men from this group joined the First Australian Imperial Force. They fought bravely in places like Gallipoli and France.
From Mackay, 1,594 men volunteered for WWI. Another 36 came from nearby Nebo. The Mackay cenotaph lists the names of 159 men who died. Eight of them received special awards for their bravery.
Before WWI, Australia had few public monuments. The memorials built after WWI were some of our first national monuments. They showed the huge impact the war had on a young country. About 60,000 Australians died from a population of 4 million. This was one in five of those who served. No other war has affected Australia so much.
Why War Memorials are Important
Even before WWI ended, memorials became a way to show national sadness. They were seen as sacred places. They were like substitute graves for Australians buried overseas. The word cenotaph means "empty tomb." These memorials were also a way to show Australia's new national pride. The country and its army had proven their worth on the world stage.
War memorials help us understand a community's part in the war. They show how local stonemasons, metalworkers, and architects used their skills. They also show what people liked in art and design at the time.
Choosing the Right Spot
Before the cenotaph was built in 1929, Anzac Day in Mackay was different. People gathered around a temporary Cross of Sacrifice. Wreaths were laid, and ceremonies were held. By the mid-1920s, a committee formed to raise money. They wanted to build a permanent monument.
The committee looked at several places for the monument. They first wanted to use part of the drill shed grounds. This area was meant to be a public park. But the government department that owned the land had strict rules. The council could not meet these rules. So, the committee chose a different spot. It was a small area on the Pioneer River bank. This was next to the Sydney Street Bridge.
Building the Memorial
In April 1928, a design by Archibald Selwyn Harriss was chosen. It was to be a tall column of polished granite. But the committee later decided not to use his design. In July, Townsville architect Stephen Harvey visited Mackay. He submitted a new design, which was accepted. His design was a column of white marble on a granite base.
Stephen Harvey was born in England around 1878. He moved to Australia in 1912–13. He was a well-known architect in Townsville. He designed many public and business buildings.
The company chosen to build the memorial was Melrose and Fenwick. They were famous for making monuments in northern Queensland. They built many war memorials. These include the Finch Hatton War Memorial and the Cairns War Memorial.
Construction of the Mackay memorial began in November 1928. The foundation stone was laid a week after Remembrance Day. Many people attended the ceremony. The completed monument was unveiled on April 24, 1929. This was the day before Anzac Day. It cost about £2,000 to build.
The monument's parts have special meanings. The three steps leading up to it are like an approach to a sacred place. The strong base holds plaques with names of the fallen. Above that is a Doric column. On top is a round symbol of the British Empire. This design shows that the heroes' sacrifice is supported by faith and strength.
The three steps may also mean faith, hope, and love. The granite base is like an empty tomb. This reminds us that the men were buried where they fell. The crosses on the wall are empty. They remind people of new life and hope.
Moving the Cenotaph
In 1945, the river bank where the cenotaph stood was sinking. So, it was moved to the northern edge of Jubilee Park. Workers filled the base with concrete to make it stable. Anzac Day in 1946 was held at this new spot. People thought it was a much better place for the memorial.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a new civic center was planned. This meant the WWI memorial had to be moved again. In 1973, it was moved to the opposite end of Jubilee Park. This is near Alfred Street. Moving the base was very hard. The concrete added in 1945 made it too heavy. Holes had to be drilled to loosen it.
Today, the Mackay World War I Cenotaph is still the main place for Anzac Day and Remembrance Day events. Jubilee Park also has other war memorials. These include memorials for World War II, the Vietnam War, and National Servicemen. This makes the park a very important place for remembering those who served.
What the Mackay Cenotaph Looks Like
The Mackay World War I Cenotaph is on the southern side of Jubilee Park. It is a very noticeable feature of the park. Its tall white marble column rises above the trees. The park itself has paths, lawns, and old trees. It also has a band rotunda and lamp posts. The park is a peaceful place for large crowds. It is perfect for memorial services.
Jubilee Park: A Special Place
Jubilee Park is in the south-west corner of the Mackay Civic Precinct. It is bordered by Wellington Street and Albert Street. The park still has parts of its original design. These include the central band rotunda and circular paths. There are also paths that go to the park's corners. You can see old fig trees and rows of palm trees. Some garden beds still have their original sandstone edges.
Around the central band rotunda are two gravel paths. Three straight paths go from the outer circle to the park's corners. Old palm trees line these straight paths. Groups of fig trees are placed on the grass. The park still has eight of its original 12 lamp posts.
Details of the Cenotaph
The WWI Cenotaph is about nine meters tall. It is a striking feature in the park and along Albert Street. Two trees stand next to it, providing shade. The monument faces north, towards the band rotunda. A gravel path connects it to the park's main path.
The base of the cenotaph has three steps made of pinkish-red terrazzo. A concrete slab with small pebbles now surrounds the bottom step. A low wall with square pillars flanks the main pedestal. This wall is made of polished and unpolished grey granite. It has red granite panels. The pillars have Latin crosses carved into them.
The pedestal is a square pillar with classical details. It is made of grey granite with red granite panels. The dates "1914 - 1919" are on its northern face. These dates are etched into the granite and painted white. The middle part has marble plaques with curved tops. The plaques on the north, east, and west sides list the 159 names. Each of these plaques has a short message:
- GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN
- FOR LIBERTY AND RIGHT
- FOR GOD, KING AND COUNTRY.
The plaque on the southern side faces Albert Street. It has a bronze sculpture of a helmeted soldier's head. Below it, text says:
- THIS MEMORIAL IS DEDICATED TO THE MEN OF MACKAY AND DISTRICT WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR.
The corner pillars are slightly tapered. They support a large granite entablature. The words "REX - GLORIA - PATRIAE" are on the northern side. These words are also highlighted in white paint.
On top of the entablature is a tall, fluted Doric column. It is made of white marble. The column supports a marble orb. This orb has metal strips that look like lines on a globe.
Jubilee Park's band rotunda has an octagonal roof. It is supported by eight round concrete columns. It stands on a raised concrete platform. The ceiling has a geometric pattern. The eight lamp posts are also made of concrete.
Other Memorials in the Park
Other war memorials have been placed in the park. Near the WWI Cenotaph is a World War II memorial. It is made of black polished granite. Another memorial has two plaques. One is for the 2/12 Battalion of WWII. The other is a National Serviceman's Memorial. There is also a Vietnam War Memorial. It has a white cross and a brick wall with name plaques.
The park has many old trees. Many of them date back to the 1930s. Rows of royal palms line the paths. Large fig trees are on the eastern and western sides. Some of these fig trees were planted for special events. One fig tree has a bronze plaque. It says it was planted to celebrate the coronation of King George VI in 1937.
Why This Memorial is Important
The World War I Cenotaph and Jubilee Park were listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. They are important for several reasons.
A Look at Queensland's History
The cenotaph shows how much WWI affected Queensland communities. It reminds us of the many lives lost. It also shows how people tried to remember those who died. This monument expresses the sadness and thanks of the district. It also shows Australia's growing identity as a new nation.
What Makes This Memorial Special?
The Mackay Cenotaph shows what a WWI monument should look like. It has symbolic parts. These include the three steps, the tomb-like base, the marble Doric column, and the globe on top. The names of fallen soldiers are on the base. Its location in a public park is also important. Jubilee Park provides a fitting place for events.
Its Beauty and Meaning
The World War I Cenotaph in Jubilee Park is beautiful. Its design elements are well put together. The tomb-like base shows the great loss of life. It also shows the sadness that bodies were not brought home. The crosses and three steps remind us of Christianity. The Doric column looks like ancient Greek buildings. The white marble globe on top shows loyalty to the British Empire. It also shows pride in the sacrifices made by a new nation.
The high quality of its design and building makes the cenotaph even more special. You can appreciate it from many spots in the park. It is a good place for remembering or quiet thought.
A Place for the Community
The Mackay World War I Cenotaph has a strong connection with the community. It reminds people of the sacrifices made by volunteer service members. Other war memorials have been added nearby. These include memorials for World War II, the 2/12th Battalion, the Vietnam War, and National Servicemen. The cenotaph and these memorials are a central point. They are used for events to honor these important contributions.
