Australian Vietnamese War Memorial

The Australian Vietnamese War Memorial is located at the College Road entrance to Roma Street Parkland, at the top of the park. The memorial commemorates and honours Australian defence service personnel who served in Vietnam, and is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. It was unveiled on the 16th September, 2005.

The memorial features two life size bronze statues dedicated to the armed forces of Australia and The Republic of Vietnam. On the left is an Australian Infantryman and on the right a South Vietnamese soldier. The memorial consists of a 1.2 metre high base which has the map of Vietnam on the front panel with the Australian and Republic of Vietnam flags on either side. The side panels have the tri-service logos of both the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) with words of dedication underneath them.

I feel similarly about this memorial as I do about the Vietnam Memorial in ANZAC Square. I'm saddened that we had to send our troops to Vietnam, largely due to the large loss of life and the ultimate futility of War. I'm glad that we have come to recognise the work and sacrifice of Australian Vietnam Veterans, and also glad that this particular memorial also reflects the Vietnamese community and recognises the South Vietnamese impact.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Walter Hill Fountain

The Walter Hill Fountain, in the City Botanic Gardens, is a unique monument to the colonial botanist and original director of the gardens, Walter Hill. Stonemason John Petrie built the stone drinking fountain in 1867 using the designs of Queensland's first colonial architect, Charles Tiffin. It was constructed using Helidon sandstone and marble from Gladstone.

The fountain commemorates the construction of the Enoggera Dam, which was engineered to provide drinking water for the growing city. It was the first ornamental drinking fountain in Queensland, and for many years functioned as such. The aim of Walter Hill was that all visitors to the Botanic Gardens would have access to pure drinking water. The original lions head through which the water funnelled still remain as features of the fountain. Located almost in the centre of the gardens, the fountain would have provided a focal point for those visitors as they perused the botanical delights.


I've just spent the past week travelling down through the eastern parts of Australia. Fortunately, as I went inland we had quite a lot of rain during my travels, and this meant that finally some of the drought stricken areas of the country have had some relief, and their was greenery through most of New South Wales. Posting on this fountain has made me reflect on how the provision of water, one of the basic necessities of life, has been made so difficult for our city over the past few years. Here's hoping we get more rain into our catchments so we can be spared further drought restrictions in the future.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is located in ANZAC Square and serves as a State memorial to those who lost their lives participating in overseas armed service campaigns, in particular the First World War. The Shrine houses an Eternal Flame in remembrance of those who lost their lives representing the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs). It holds an elevated position at the Ann Street entrance to ANZAC Square. It was dedicated at 11am on Armistice Day, Tuesday, 11 November 1930.


The Shrine is a dominant feature of the Square. The architecture is Greek Classic Revival style, utilising the forms of a Greek sacred enclosure (temenos) comprising of a round temple (tholos). The various columns are made of Helidon sandstone, which stand on a three tiered base of Queensland granite. The eighteen columns utilise doric order, and represent the year of peace, 1918. They support a circular entablature which on its outside edge is ornamented with rosettes and within the shrine is inscribed with the names of battlefields where Australian soldiers fought. Within the middle of the shrine a bronze urn houses the Eternal Flame. Twin stone staircases wrap around the Shrine, descending to the level of the Square.


Of all the elements within ANZAC Square, this has to be the most striking. The Shrine is a meeting place for the dawn service on ANZAC Day, and throughout that particular day draws huge crowds who pay their respect. At any time of the year, it is a moving and sombre experience to visit and recognise and remember the fallen.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Korea Malaya Borneo Memorial

The Korea Malay Borneo Memorial in ANZAC Square commemorates those Australians and their allies who died or served during the wars in Korea, Malaya and Borneo between 1948 to 1966. Part of an R.S.L. Bicentennial of Australia Project, it was sculpted in bronze with a pedestal of granite by Rhyl Hinwood, and unveiled on 23rd April, 1988.

The memorial depicts an Australian soldier from the Malaya and Borneo Wars standing alongside an an Australian soldier from the Korean Campaign, with an arm outstretched welcoming peace and friendship. Australia participated in the Korean War 1950-1953, Malaya War 1948-1966 and Borneo War 1962-1966. As Rhyl describes it herself: "Two life size figures stand side by side supported by sandbags draped with camouflage netting. One wears tropical jungle dress while the other is depicted in winter gear mostly borrowed from other nationals."

This is another of a significant number of artworks around Brisbane sculpted by Rhyl Hinwood. She does both serious and humorous works, and has done both corporate and public items. I'm glad that some of these are available for all to see, and in particular this one, which has such historical significance in remembering those who died or suffered in war. The main image here is actually from earlier this year, when I visited the square and took some other shots, so you can notice the hoardings behind the sculpture which have since been removed.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Shrine of Memories

The Shrine of Memories is a memorial of the Second World War dedicated to various Queensland contingents of the armed forces. It is co-located with the Crypt in the subway underneath the ANZAC Square Shrine of Remembrance. There are Touch and Tell systems in place that explain the significance of Anzac Square to visitors. It is open Monday to Friday 9.00am - 2.15pm except on ANZAC Day when hours are extended.

Within the Shrine and Crypt there are Honour Rolls, Unit Plaques, a memorial mosaic and soils from official World War II cemeteries. The Crypt was established in 1930 to contain tributes for Australian and allied participants. In 1984 the Second World War Shrine of Memories was relocated to the enlarged crypt from its previous location as part of the Returned & Services League (RSL) State Branch headquarters at ANZAC House in Wickham Terrace. It had been established at the RSL Branch in 1959. The mosaic, designed by Don Ross, comprises over 140,000 small pieces of hand cut Venetian glass enamels and depicts what I consider is the release of the spirit of those who gave the supreme sacrifice in War.


The Angel on the entrance wall to the Crypt represents the Angel of Peace. Entering this place is a very sombre and moving experience. It allows you to reflect on those who gave their lives, and that they not be forgotten. Over the course of writing this blog I have found that writing on the ANZAC tradition brings forth both emotions of regret at the wasted lives, but also pride that we honour those who defended hour nation and beliefs. We should strive not to make war, but to honour Peace throughout the world.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Festival Hall Walk of Fame

For nearly 50 years Festival Hall in Brisbane hosted a showcase of international and local performers and activities. At 4,000 seats it accommodated most large concerts during its era. This ranged from perhaps the most renowned performance, the Beatles on 29-30 June 1964, through to the final major gig there, that of Michael Franti on August 9th, 2003. Located within the foyer of Festival Towers, an apartment complex built over the site, the Festival Hall Walk of Fame commemorates the history of the site.


The display in the entry lobby consists of a wall-mounted installation of backlit panels. The entry display is to the Beatles, with the main display incorporating original seatbacks from Festival Hall, with images of performers and other significant figures in the Festival Hall history. Not only are concert performers featured, the venue was used for Wrestling, Ballet, Political Debate and Boxing, particularly as a venue during the Commonwealth Games. There are also concert ticket stubs replicated throughout.


You only need to search Google to find reference to the vast number of performers who played there. From Johny O'Keefe, Billy Thorpe, Frank Zappa, the Bee Gees, the Police, Duran Duran, Powerderfinger and Silverchair to sparsely name a few, it was the city venue to play. There is nothing which has come close to replacing it as the smaller venues in the Valley, whilst intimate, can't hold big acts, and the large stadium venues are purely for the likes of Robbie Williams. However, at the moment the music scene is going right off in Brisbane so they're all still coming! Hopefully all artists can visit this walk and realise the path trodden by so many other greats to get here.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Masonic Memorial Temple

The Masonic Memorial Temple is located at 309 Ann Street. It is the headquarters of the Freemason organisation in Queensland. With its foundation stone laid on Anzac Day, 25 April, 1928 it initially provided a masonic memorial to those who gave their lives in the first World War. The building was opened on 9th December 1930 in a spectacular ceremony. Since 1930 the hall has been the centre of Masonic activity in Queensland. It is the only dedicated Grand Hall in Australia which is capable of accommodating a Grand Installation. Free tours of the Ann Street Centre are conducted at 2pm Monday to Friday.

The architecture of the building was the result of a competition held in 1923 to produce a design for the temple. The plans of architect Lang Powell were chosen from 16 submissions. It is built in the Classical Greek Revival style, with significant symmetry used in the positioning of the columns and layouts both externally and internally. No expense seems to have been spared, with sandstone, bronze, leadlighting, Queensland timbers and marble used variously throughout. Largely local materials were used.

You can't help but notice this building walking down Ann Street, even with the construction occurring next door. Internally, the Hall of Remembrance with the central urn surrounded by the circular Tuscan columns is a site to behold. Externally the outstanding stonework and the indicative masonic square and compass readily identify the building as Masonic. I like the juxtaposition of the new work going on close to the old, and only hope that unlikely as it is, what they're building next door could come close to the architectural style of the temple.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

South African War Memorial

The South African War Memorial is located on the Adelaide Street side of ANZAC Square. It is also known as the Boer War Memorial. Originally commissioned in 1912 to local Brisbane Sculptor James Watts, due to the first World War it was not erected in Brisbane until 1919. It was first placed at the intersection of Turbot and Edward Streets, and moved to its current location at ANZAC Square in early April 1939 in time for the Anzac Day ceremonies of that year. Restoration work was done in 1991.

The life-size bronzed statue depicts a Queensland Mounted Infantryman. Australian involvement in The Boer War was predominantly in mounted units from the colonies and later from the Commonwealth, known variously as Bushmen, Mounted Rifles, Imperial Bushmen, The Australian Commonwealth Horse and the Light Horse. Over 16,000 Australian troops served in the Boer War. The uniform and accoutrements show the sculptors significant attention to detail.


Like today's war, this particular war was largely over a desired asset. The main commercial and strategic reasons for the war were that the British wanted the gold mines of the Boer states. The British reinforced their army and received support from Australia. Like today, there was no real need for us to be there. However, I'm pleased that we have recognised the contribution these men made in giving the ultimate sacrifice. Eighty-nine Queenslanders died during the war. These are represented on plaques on both sides of the memorial.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

South West Pacific Campaign Memorial

The South West Pacific Campaign Memorial is located on the Adelaide Street side of ANZAC Square. The memorial was unveiled on 29 August 1992 as a tribute from the Brisbane City Council. The unveiling coincided with the 50th Anniversary year of the Milne Bay and Kokoda Campaigns. Created by Artbusters, the statues of the memorial have been cast in bronze. It also includes a granite plinth, mosaic and brass infill.

The Kokoda Trail campaign was part of the Pacific War of World War II. The campaign consisted of a series of battles fought from July 1942 to January 1943 between Japanese and Allied forces in what was then the Australian territory of New Guinea. The memorial depicts a wounded Australian soldier descending the Kokoda Trail assisted by a strong dependable Papua New Guinean leading him to safety. They are being passed by a fresh, determined soldier, resolute in the task ahead.

Australian allies fighting in this battle did an amazing job of defending the trail, as did the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels supporting them. 6000 Australian lives were lost in the campaign. With the Kokoda, and subsequent New Guinea campaigns, this was the first time that Australia's security had been threatened directly. In Australia for many years there was strong resentment towards the Japanese over the War, however, as time has passed today we share strong economic and friendly ties. Even this week, we had both Australian and Japanese prime ministers outlining a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation. We should move forward, but We Will Remember Them.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

Vietnam Memorial

Another of the War Memorial sculptures in ANZAC Square is to the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was a conflict between North and South Vietnam. South Vietnam's allies included the United States, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Australian and New Zealand troops were involved from 1962 to 1973. Some 50,000 Australians, including ground troops and Air Force and Navy personnel, served in Vietnam; 520 died as a result of the war, and almost 2,400 were wounded.

The memorial depicts an act of mercy performed many times during the campaign. It shows an Australian soldier directing a medical helicopter to descend and tend to his wounded mate. The memorial commemorates those Australians and their allies who died or served during the Vietnam War. It was unveiled as part of a bicentennial project by the then governor of Queensland in 1988.

Like the current War in Iraq, I'm saddened that we had to send our troops to Vietnam, largely due to the large loss of life and the ultimate futility of War. This memorial does depict one of the better aspects, mateship, and standing by your mate to help out at a time when your own safety would still have been in jeopardy.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.

The Nursing Sister

There are a number of War Memorial sculptures in ANZAC Square. This one is a World War II memorial to the spirit and tradition of nursing sisters. Located on the Adelaide Street side of the park, it is placed on one of the main side walkways through the park. About 3,500 Australian Army nurses served either overseas or in Australia during World War II. Those who served close to the battlefield experienced at first hand not only the discomforts of makeshift field hospitals, including mud, dust, bad food, and lack of normal amenities, but also the risks and horrors of war.

The memorial depicts a wounded Australian soldier being assisted by a nursing sister. The associated plaque outlines that it is a scene typical of all theatres of war and exemplifies the involvement of all Australian servicemen and women in World War II. Unfortunately, although there are at least two references to the politician who unveiled the sculpture, details of the sculptor aren't readily revealed. The memorial also has a number of newspaper articles etched into the base, outlining nursing involvement throughout the war.

What hope it must have been if you were wounded in battle, and a nurse was able to come to your aid. I imagine that in most war, particularly on the battleground, you would be left for dead. And yet, here, depicted, is a woman just as heroic as any soldier offering her service not to kill but to save life. If only nurses ran the wars, then we could all go home.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

Click Here for the Google Map Reference for this post.