Rockhampton and District Historical Society 2027 Calendars

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🗓 Get ready for 2027 🗓

The 2027 Rockhampton and District Historical Society Calendars are now available to purchase.

Pricing:
• Single Calendar: $10
• 6 Calendars or more: $8 each

Available online at: https://rockhamptonhistory.org.au/product/rockhampton-district-historical-society-calendar-2027/

or in person at:

  • 📍 Rockhampton and District Historical Society (Borough Chambers)
  • 📍 Allenstown Newsagency
  • 📍 Alma Street Veterinary Hospital
  • 📍 Bauhinia House
  • 📍 Berserker Street Bakery
  • 📍 City Printing Works
  • 📍 Cranston Pies Nth Side
  • 📍 Doblo’s Farmers Market
  • 📍 Family History Group
  • 📍 Farnborough General Store
  • 📍 Gracemere Newsagency
  • 📍 Mark West Hairdresser
  • 📍 Mitre 10 Yeppoon
  • 📍 Northside Plaza Newsagency
  • 📍 Parkhurst Newsagency
  • 📍 Rocky Riches City Centre Plaza
  • 📍 Royal Qld Arts Society (Walter Reid building)
  • 📍 Suburban Hairdresser Murray St
  • 📍 Terri Williams Hairstylist Allenstown
  • 📍 Wandal Hot Bread Shop

📬 Postage: Available at an additional cost.

If you would like to purchase a calendar you may do so by visiting us during our opening hours, contacting us via our social media pages or emailing in**@********************rg.au.

Our Calendars

The Rockhampton and District Historical Society would like to thank our sponsors who have helped make the production of this calendar possible. We would also like to thank the people who allowed us to use copies of their photographs and those who supplied the information allowing us to write the capons for the photos.

One of our aims with the calendar is to raise awareness of our local history in the community. This is something that is already being done by like-minded people via the electronic media. We would also like to build up our library of local photographs so that they will be available for generations to come. Everybody is aware that, at times, old photos have been dumped so if you have any photographic material (photos, postcards, tourist brochures, slides, film etc) of historic value, please allow us to scan this material. We have the equipment to enable us to do this and we do not need to keep the items. Other items of value to us include local publications, documents of family history and Rockhampton businesses and of course personal memoirs.

Rockhampton’s Kenmore House

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Kenmore House was originally built as the residence of John Ferguson, perched on the Athelstane Range (The Range) overlooking Rockhampton. Construction began in 1894, with the design attributed to Rockhampton architect James Flint.

Local tradition suggests the home was intended as a future government house for a proposed new state. Known locally as “The Mansion,” Kenmore was surrounded by 10 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens featuring rose trellises, Norfolk pines, mango trees, and hedges. Inside, its grandeur included a marble-tiled ballroom and a grand reception hall, solidifying its reputation as one of Queensland’s finest homes. Initially called Pinehurst, it was renamed Kenmore by 1896 in honour of Ferguson’s Scottish birthplace.

After Ferguson’s passing in 1906, the property was sold to Stuart McDonald. The McDonald family lived there until 1915, when the Sisters of Mercy purchased it for £4,500. They transformed Kenmore into the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, which officially opened on 14 November 1915.

Today, Kenmore House remains an integral part of the Mater hospital’s daily operations, continuing its legacy as a significant part of Rockhampton’s history.

November is Aviation History Month

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November is Aviation History Month, a perfect time to reflect on Rockhampton’s pivotal role in early Australian aviation. In 1930, the establishment of the Rockhampton aerodrome marked a new era of connectivity and innovation for the region.

In 1929, a group of aspiring aviators acquired a lease on Connor Park, a former racecourse, and began transforming it into a space suitable for aircraft operations. The Rockhampton Aero Club was officially established on February 9, 1930, with a mission to provide flying training and promote aviation in the region—a role it continued to fulfil until 2023 by offering flying lessons and air charter services.

The flying field at Connor Park was officially opened on March 2, 1930, by Rockhampton’s Mayor, Robert Cousins. Just three weeks after the club’s formation, the members began advocating for a permanent landing ground for the city. Their efforts paid off when, on March 15, 1930, the Rockhampton Aerodrome was formally opened by Alderman Colonel David Day Dawson, standing in for Cousins.

Initially, the Rockhampton City Council had been undecided about a location for the aerodrome, considering sites such as the Red Hill quarry on Yaamba Road. However, after the Aero Club’s establishment at Connor Park, the council recognised its suitability and contributed £100 for land clearing. The event was marked by the landing of the first passenger aircraft, the 5 passenger Fokker monoplane Star of Cairns arriving from Brisbane after a 4 hour flight.

Rockhampton Fitzroy Bridge (1881)

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The original Fitzroy Bridge opened in 1881, becoming Rockhampton’s first permanent crossing over the Fitzroy River.

  • Cost & Build Time: It took several years to build (from March 1877 to January 1881) and cost a hefty £54,120—a massive investment at the time!
  • Materials: Constructed using iron and timber, the bridge showcased cutting-edge engineering for its era.
  • Lifetime: After standing for 75 years, the bridge was demolished in January 1956.

This iconic structure connected North and South Rockhampton, revolutionising transport and trade.

📸 Fitzroy Bridge Rockhampton c. 1894 – State Library of QLD

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