To celebrate the Australian Heritage Festival theme ‘connection’ Bundaberg Regional Council is highlighting the region’s link to Bert Hinkler 40 years on from the relocation of his English home.
Held from 18 April to 19 May, the National Trust festival celebrates Australia’s rich and diverse stories, strengthens cultural and historical ties and encourages the community to forge new bonds.
Locally, the tie between Bert Hinkler and his hometown remains strong 91 years on from his death on a solo flight from London to Australia.
The much-lauded pioneer aviator is still known as Bundaberg’s “favourite son” and his many achievements are prominently displayed in the Council-owned Hinkler Hall of Aviation.
Sitting alongside the hall within the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens is his perfectly preserved Edwardian-style home built in Southampton, England where it had been scheduled for demolition.
A dedicated and motivated group of Bundaberg Region locals, led by Lex Rowland alongside Stan Lohs and Merv Purkiss, intervened and saw the entire house relocated – brick by brick – to the Bundaberg Region where it was rebuilt.
It was officially opened at its current location on 16 June 1984.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn said 40 years on this legacy was still celebrated and respected by the Bundaberg Region community.
“This house was originally built in England in 1925 and now sits in perfect condition in the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens for residents and visitors to enjoy,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“It is a physical reminder of our history and the pioneering and innovative spirit of the great Bert Hinkler.
“Even at the height of his fame and achievement he still retained his strong connection to the Bundaberg Region, naming the house Mon Repos in honour of his hometown and the beach that inspired his love of flight.”
Mayor Blackburn said the Australian Heritage Festival was just one of the ways Council was recognising local history and heritage places.
“Over the past 12 months we have had two really exciting new programs developed and launched in Streets of Remembrance, which honours past servicemen and women who have streets named in their memory, and the Our Stories Our Places grant program which supports building owners of eligible heritage listed and main street commercial character properties to undertake sympathetic conservation works to improve the appearance of these buildings and make a positive contribution to the streetscape.
“So far 37 veterans have been honoured through existing streets and a further 14 have been approved for future street naming, with another 20 still under investigation.
“In addition to this, seven applicants have already successfully applied for financial assistance to restore local buildings through Our Stories Our Places.
“These initiatives are a demonstration of our commitment to preserving, celebrating and strengthening the region’s heritage.”
Throughout April and May the spotlight will shine on these initiatives and some of the region’s most well-known heritage places as Council marks the national heritage festival.
“Each year Council marks the Australian Heritage Festival by highlighting its heritage building and structures.
“Over the coming weeks we’ll be sharing many stories and videos to help our community celebrate local heritage and the national theme ‘connection’, particularly around Bert Hinkler and his connection to aviation and military service but also the region’s historic transport and water supply connections.”
Hinkler House heritage featured
Lex Rowland shares a detailed history of the relocation of Hinkler House in this feature article.
Find out more about the Australian Heritage Festival here or watch Council’s heritage YouTube series here.
