Addresses
Type of place
State school
Period
Federation 1890-1914
Style
Queenslander
This is an image of the local heritage place known as Runcorn State School
Runcorn State School
Addresses
Type of place
State school
Period
Federation 1890-1914
Style
Queenslander
The Runcorn State School opened as a provisional school with 26 pupils on 8 July 1901. At this time, the Runcorn/Sunnybank district was a farming, mostly fruit growing, district. The contract for building the original, modest, timber school was won by J. Lather. Today, this building is known as “A” Wing. In 1909, the school was awarded state school status.The school grounds contain many mature shade trees, some of which were planted by pupils in the early years of the twentieth century as part of Arbor Day celebrations. The school became a focus of community life, with the grounds utilised by local groups such as the Runcorn Tennis Club from the early 1900s.
Lot plan
L1001_SL10492
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Corrugated iron;Walls: Timber
People/associations
J. Lather (Builder)Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (E) Aesthetic; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
Lot plan
L1001_SL10492
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Corrugated iron;Walls: Timber
People/associations
J. Lather (Builder)Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (E) Aesthetic; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
History
The Runcorn Provisional School No. 968 opened on this site with 26 pupils on 8 July 1901 thanks to the efforts of the Runcorn Provisional School’s Building Committee. At this time, the area was a rural district and most students were from farming families, particularly fruit growers. A three acre site was purchased by the Department of Public Instruction and the land cleared by volunteer labour. The Department paid four fifths of the cost of constructing the modest timber school building, known today as “A” Wing. The tender for the school’s construction was won by J. Lather. In 1909, the school became Runcorn State School.
The school grounds contain many mature shade trees, some of which were planted by pupils as part of Arbor Day celebrations. According to historical records, the trees include 18 shade trees planted in 1908 and six trees planted for Arbor Day in July 1915. Mature trees in the grounds include several jacarandas.
The school was a focus of community life in the district. For example, the first school tennis court, built in 1904, was used by the Runcorn Tennis Club.
Statement of significance
Relevant assessment criteria
This is a place of local heritage significance and meets one or more of the local heritage criteria under the Heritage planning scheme policy of the Brisbane City Plan 2014. It is significant because:
References
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Brisbane Courier. 12 July 1901, 13 July 1915
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Parents and Citizens’ Centenary Committee of Runcorn State School. 1901 Runcorn State School 2001. Qld: Erinport, 2000
Citation prepared by — Brisbane City Council (page revised June 2022)