The story of Burnie Brae begins in 1869, when Andrew and Margaret Hamilton settled with their family on a twenty-acre block at Downfall Creek.
With timber cut on site and supplies hauled in by bullock wagon, Andrew built the homestead that would become known as Burnie Brae, meaning “sunny hillside.”
Like many pioneer homes, it was pit-sawn, hand-built, and shingled with wood split at the property. The attic was left unfinished, later used for storage as four generations of Hamiltons called Burnie Brae home.
By 1873, the family had firmly established themselves in the district, becoming part of the social fabric of the small community. Education was a priority, and the Hamiltons were among those who advocated for a school in the area.
In 1900, Downfall Creek State School opened its doors, later renamed Chermside State School. On that very first day, young Clara Hamilton was among the pupils.
After the Second World War, Brisbane’s suburbs began to expand rapidly. In 1947, the Burnie Brae land was resumed by the government with plans for public housing. The homestead was demolished in 1952, though the housing never came to fruition. Instead, the land’s legacy evolved in unexpected ways.
From Demolished Homestead to Community Hub
A new chapter began in 1984, when the Rotary Club of Chermside, led by president Walter Morton, transformed the old Burnie Brae site into a centre for seniors. Backed by seven years of grassroots fundraising and with government support, the Burnie Brae Centre opened as a place for connection and care.
Morton, a decorated World War II bomber pilot and longtime chairman of the Prince Charles Hospital, epitomised community spirit. His daughter Roslyn later reflected that her father “would be so proud of what it’s become.”
From a modest homestead built in the bush to a thriving community hub in Chermside, Burnie Brae’s story spans more than 150 years. It is a story of resilience, service, and connection, where the pioneering Hamilton family and the vision of leaders like Walter Morton continue to shape the lives of North Brisbane residents today.
Featured image: Burnie Brae, 1917 | Image courtesy of Chermside & Districts Historical Society
Read more stories from the Chermside Guide’s print magazine here:
- Chermside Connect: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Podcast Review:Christmas Past
- New Netflix Christmas Classics
- Steam Through History on Christmas Twilight Train
- Jungle Perch Kuhlia rupestris
- Dance Into the Future with Confidence
- Waitangi Festival Celebrates Aotearoa and Pacific Heritage
- Free Christmas Lunch Connects Stepping Stone Members
- Holiday Magic Shines in Beloved Christmas Ballet
- Northside Ready to Ring in the New Year
- School Holiday Fun at Downfall Creek Bushland Centre
- All Saints Invites Everyone to Celebrate Christmas Together
- Local Students Tune Into Out-of-this-World Talk
- Brisbane Bells to Ring in the Festive Season
- Helping Rescued Animals Find Their Forever Home
