Addresses
Type of place
Clinic
Period
Interwar 1919-1939
Style
Free Classical, Italianate, Functionalist
This is an image of the local heritage place known as BAFS Dispensary Building
B.A.F.S. Dispensary (former)
Addresses
Type of place
Clinic
Period
Interwar 1919-1939
Style
Free Classical, Italianate, Functionalist
This two-storey masonry building was constructed in 1920 as a dispensary for the Brisbane Associated Friendly Society. Friendly societies first emerged in Britain in the late eighteenth century in response to the high cost of healthcare, for which there was no government support. In the early 1800s, the Society was established in Brisbane and by 1885 had more than 1200 members. For a regular fee, members and their families were covered for funeral and healthcare costs, including the medicines provided by this dispensary. The building was retained by the BAFS until 1928 but has been leased by various businesses since 1929.
Also known as
Brisbane Associated Friendly Society Dispensary
Lot plan
L2_RP11207; L1_RP11207
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Corrugated iron;Walls: Masonry - Render
People/associations
Brisbane Associated Friendly Societies (Association)Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (B) Rarity; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
Also known as
Brisbane Associated Friendly Society Dispensary
Lot plan
L2_RP11207; L1_RP11207
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Corrugated iron;Walls: Masonry - Render
People/associations
Brisbane Associated Friendly Societies (Association)Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (B) Rarity; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
History
In January 1920 the trustees of the Brisbane Associated Friendly Societies Dispensary acquired title to this property from Joseph Davis. The cornerstone was laid on 21 February 1920.
Friendly societies arose in Britain in the late eighteenth century with the initial aim of organising recreational activities for the working classes. The societies developed into self-help organisations where resource pooling enabled help to members when the occasion arose. Queensland’s first friendly society was established in 1843, and membership entitled claims on sickness and funeral benefits.
The Friendly Societies first opened a dispensary in Charlotte Street, Brisbane in 1885 following its advocation a number of years earlier. At that time the membership of the BAFS totalled just 1226. A branch was soon established in South Brisbane in 1891, and another in Fortitude Valley in 1900.In 1916 BAFS opened a dispensary at 331 George Street, Brisbane by which time its membership had grown to 13,160.The Associated Societies provided drugs, benefits, allowances and burial expenses for an estimated one-quarter of the metropolitan community.
The Woolloongabba BAFS site was leased to pharmacists Goodwins Limited in 1929, and while it remained in BAFS ownership, there have been a number of leases since that time. The present owner acquired title in 1998.
Description
This is a rendered brick, two storey commercial building. It is on a corner site however, the building only really addresses Stanley Street, with the exception of some signage on the top of the parapet walls on the upper level. The top of the parapet is decorated with cornicing and corbelling which arc down to the lower height of the parapet part way along the sidewall. There are six casement windows on the upper level, which are framed by three linked square protruding frames. The casement windows in the sidewall do not have a strong rhythm like the front ones and do not have the framing, only a simple sill. An awning shades the front of the lower level and extends back slightly around the corner. The lower level walls are veneered in small white and grey tiles with several large glass door openings and a window. The tiling continues around the corner to in line with the edge of the awning. A window of the same dimensions as the front one is within this tile veneered wall section, with a security screen over it.
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 City Council Water Supply & Sewerage Detail Plans
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Department of Natural Resources, Queensland Certificates of title and other records.
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Environmental Protection Agency
Citation prepared by — Brisbane City Council (page revised September 2020)