Addresses
Type of place
Monument / memorial
Period
Interwar 1919-1939
Style
Free Classical
This is an image of the local heritage place known as War Memorial - Keating Park
War Memorial - Keating Park
Addresses
Type of place
Monument / memorial
Period
Interwar 1919-1939
Style
Free Classical
This war memorial, though damaged, is significant as an example of a suburban war memorial and provides evidence of the widespread patriotism and grief of communities throughout Brisbane after World War I and their desire to commemorate those who died. The memorial was originally located on the corner of Westminster and Station Roads, Indooroopilly but was damaged in an accident in 1968 and was moved to this site a few years later. It continues to serve as a somber reminder of the sacrifice and bravery of those Brisbane residents who fought and died in World War I.
Lot plan
L3_SP265261; L1_SP265261
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Memorial: MarbleCriterion for listing
(G) SocialInteractive mapping
Lot plan
L3_SP265261; L1_SP265261
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Memorial: MarbleCriterion for listing
(G) SocialInteractive mapping
History
Although several memorials to those who fought in the Boer War were constructed in Queensland early this century, it was the loss of some 60 000 Australian soldiers in World War I which prompted the erection of war memorials in practically every city and town across Australia. These memorials took many forms including sculptures of "diggers", obelisks, halls and specially planted trees. They became the symbol of a nation's grief and a focus for Anzac Day ceremonies. War, or more specifically, the notion of the Australian "digger" has played a significant part in the creation of a national identity. After World War II, new memorials were constructed and existing ones altered to include those who lost their lives in the Second World War. This trend has continued with subsequent wars.
The Indooroopilly memorial was unveiled by the Governor, Sir Matthew Nathan, KCMG, on 26 February 1921 at its original site on the corner of Westminster and Station Roads, opposite the Indooroopilly Post Office. A photograph of the unveiling shows a large crowd, which includes many soldiers in uniform. The mason involved in the construction of the memorial was A.L. Petrie and Son, a well-known Brisbane stonemason and member of the prominent Petrie family.
During the 1960s, the Indooroopilly RSL and Chamber of Commerce began lobbying for the memorial to be relocated as it was considered to be a traffic hazard. The Brisbane City Council was approached and the local groups were told that private funds would have to be used. It was estimated that some £1000 would be needed to relocate the monument. Unfortunately, before this could occur, a crane knocked over the memorial while trying to avoid a collision with a car on 15 July 1968.
On 14 March 1972, it was recorded in the minutes of the Brisbane City Council that a new suitable site had been found for the war memorial. It was proposed to relocate it on an area of land on the corner of Belgrave Road, Underhill Avenue and Coonan Street, Indooroopilly, which had been severed from Keating Park during recent roadworks. It seems the gas lantern, which originally lit the memorial, was damaged in the crane accident and was not replaced.
As with many other Australian war memorial, plaques commemorating subsequent wars including World War II and the Korean War have since been added to the Indooroopilly Memorial. In 1987, the front honour board was replaced due to rust strains. In recent times, a local resident, in cooperation with the Brisbane City Council, has gone to some lengths to restore the memorial to its original state by replacing the missing lantern.
Description
The memorial consists of square Carrara marble, capped column with inscriptions commemorating war dead, mounted on a stepped granite plinth. A decorative lantern originally capped the monument but has been replaced by a square modern light fitting. Surrounding paving and steel pipe railings are also recent additions. Park plantings have been recently installed around the memorial, which have begun to give it an appropriate setting. Three flagpoles exist to the south of the memorial.
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 Parks Information
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Brisbane City Council Minutes
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Courier Mail, 16 July 1968
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John Oxley Library Photograph Collection
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Lest We Forget: A Guide to the Conservation of War Memorials. [?date and author]
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McIvor, Trevor and Shirley McIvor. Salute the Brave: A Pictorial Record of Queensland War Memorials. USQ Press, 1994
Citation prepared by — Brisbane City Council (page revised November 2022)