Addresses
Type of place
Hall, Sportsground
Period
Federation 1890-1914, Interwar 1919-1939
This is an image of the local heritage place known as Brookfield Public Hall & Showgrounds
This is an image of the local heritage place known as Brookfield Public Hall & Showgrounds
Brookfield Public Hall & Showgrounds
Addresses
Type of place
Hall, Sportsground
Period
Federation 1890-1914, Interwar 1919-1939
The Brookfield Showgrounds were first declared in 1911 when an area of around 14 acres was set aside as a reserve. The Brookfield and Moggill Show Society formed in 1905 and began holding shows in 1906, with the first two-day show held in 1911 when the showgrounds were secured. Agricultural shows were popular events for Brisbane’s rural communities during the early twentieth century and were an opportunity for local residents to showcase their produce. The timber hall on the site was moved here circa 1933 and had originally been built in Darra as a Victory Hall after World War I. It replaced an earlier 1880s hall, although parts of the old hall were incorporated into the new hall before it was demolished. The Brookfield Show is still held annually and provides an important link between Brookfield’s rural past and present.
Lot plan
L328_SL12323
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (B) Rarity; (D) Representative; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
Lot plan
L328_SL12323
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (B) Rarity; (D) Representative; (G) SocialInteractive mapping
History
The initial grant for a hall reserve at Brookfield, consisting of one acre, was proclaimed in the Queensland Government Gazette of 21 February 1885. A hall that previously served as the Brookfield Bible Christian Church and first schoolhouse was moved to the site. This hall served as the community hall until the current hall replaced it.
In July 1932 and application was submitted to the Brisbane City Council (BCC) by the trustees of the hall for a new hall, valued at £300/-/-. A delay must have occurred as another application was submitted to the BCC September the following year, valued at £400.
The current hall's origins are explained by Brookfield historian, Libby Wager:
The present Brookfield Hall was built as a Victory Hall at Darra after World War I. It was moved to John Henry's property at Mandalay, Fig Tree Pocket for a number of years, before being brought to Brookfield in the 1930s. Skillion roof, supper room and towers were later added from material taken from the first Hall which was demolished after being used for some years by the Tennis Club.1
A number of early Brookfield families have had representatives who have served as trustees of the Brookfield Hall Reserve. They include the Brimblecombes (James), Shields (James), Ballards (C.E.A) and the Darts (John). The hall has been used for a number of community events over the years.
The Showgrounds Reserve was declared a reserve on 16 March 1911. An area of "about 14 acres” was set aside for "Recreation and Show Purposes".
The Brookfield and Moggill Show Society had formed in 1905, holding its first show in 1906. The first two-day show is noted as being held in 1911.
The show is particularly noted, within Queensland, for its quality of horse events, being considered “… as the best Queensland Show outside the R.N.A and has been reported as second only to the Royal Sydney Easter Show in horse events.”
An agricultural show within a rural area is an important event that provides an opportunity for the local community to enjoy a festive and sporting event and present local produce to be presented for display and competition.
The showgrounds has been an important focal point to the Brookfield community and surrounding environs. A number of local residents have served as trustees. One former trustee William Kay, has had a memorial archway to the ring named in his honour.
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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Libby Wager. Historic Brookfield. (Pullenvale: Pullenvale Field Study Centre. 1988) p 55
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Certificates of Title.
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John Oxley Library, photographic collection.
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Meadows, Jane. Brisbane's Western Suburbs: Our Heritage in Focus. (Brisbane: State Library of Queensland Foundation. 1994)
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Post Office Directories
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Queensland Government Gazette. Vol. XXXVI 1885 & Vol. XCVI. 1911
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Wager, Libby. Historic Brookfield. (Pullenvale: Pullenvale Field Study Centre. 1988)
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Wager, Libby. Different Tracks. (Brookfield: Kenmore-Brookfield Parish of the Uniting church in Australia. 1998)
Citation prepared by — Brisbane City Council (page revised June 2022)