Addresses
Type of place
Monument / memorial
Period
World War II 1939-1945
This is an image of the local heritage place known as Memorial - Toby the Dog Toowong Post Office
Toby the Dog Toowong Post Office memorial
Addresses
Type of place
Monument / memorial
Period
World War II 1939-1945
This memorial was erected in June 1942 to remember Toby, an honorary post dog who was killed in an automobile accident that same year. Toby was well known around the Toowong area as a keen companion of local postmen and would regularly accompany them on their morning and afternoon rounds. The memorial was erected by Toowong postal staff in the grounds of their original post office but was moved to the new site at Ebor St. in the early 1970s. It survives as a symbol of mateship and loyalty, and as a reminder of a small piece of Toowong’s history.
Lot plan
L20_RP882344
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Memorial: MasonryCriterion for listing
(A) Historical; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
Lot plan
L20_RP882344
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Memorial: MasonryCriterion for listing
(A) Historical; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
History
A number of specific memorials have been erected around the world to honour special attributes, or in recognition, of an action an animal has completed, endured and/or demonstrated at some particular time. However, generally the action undertaken by an animal is normally associated with providing some aid or companionship to humanity.
This memorial was erected to honour a dog, which became known around the village of Toowong for his association with the local postmen. Local legend has it that this particular dog, Toby, would accompany only postmen who were doing their daily rounds. His companionship could be seen both on morning and afternoon deliveries.
Unfortunately an automobile accidentally killed the dog. A headstone with the words Toby the Dog Postman - 8 - 6 -1942" was paid for, and erected, by the postal staff. This headstone stood in the previous Toowong Post office grounds. When the Post office moved to their new site in the early 1970s the headstone was transferred and placed in the front garden.
The headstone provides an important insight into the thoughts and actions of an Australian local community during the period Australia was at war. The memorial to the dog embodies and represents the values that such a community held and these are the quintessential Australian cultural traits of mateship, loyalty, sacrifice and remembrance.
Description
This memorial is a rectangular slab of sandstone with incised lettering reading, TOBY THE DOG POSTMAN...8-6-1942.
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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Drew, Richard Langer. This is the Village of Toowong, in Postal Pioneers: A History of Post Offices in Queensland. Vol.1. 1987. (Queensland: Australian Post. 1987)
Citation prepared by — Brisbane City Council (page revised September 2020)