Brisbane City Council has installed new commemorative signage at Marchant Park, honouring the former Kedron Shire Council and the park’s significance to the local community.
Marchant Ward Councillor Danita Parry and the Chermside and Districts Historical Society (CDHS) unveiled the ‘History of Marchant Park’ information board last month.
According to Peter Latemore, President of CDHS, the main driver for the installation of the sign was the 100th anniversary of the City of Brisbane, which amalgamated town councils, like the Kedron Shire.
“We were hoping to find some way to commemorate the Kedron Shire building that was located close to where the information sign now is on the east side of Gympie Road on the rise that is now within Marchant Park,” Peter said.
“The sad thing is that straight after the creation of greater Brisbane, the building was surplus to needs and sold to a demolition company, and it disappeared very quickly.”
Celebrating George and Mary Marchant’s Contribution
A feature of the sign is its recognition of George and Mary Marchant. In 1899, George Marchant bought land in Chermside for his company’s horses. During WWI, it became a training ground for the Australian Light Horse. In 1917, he offered the land to Kedron Shire Council, leading to the opening of Marchant Park in 1921.
“There is a lot about George Marchant, but we also wanted to reference his wife, Mary Marchant, who was an extremely generous person and was very involved in the community,” Peter said.
The sign also highlights other important local landmarks, including Vellnagel’s Blacksmith Shop.
“We would recommend that everyone goes for a walk on the path and checks out the sign,” Peter said.
Cr Parry said she was proud to support the installation of the information board.
“By preserving our past, we protect our future,” she said.
“Brisbane’s history is unique and we should be celebrating it, and people like Mary and George Marchant, at every opportunity.
“The Chermside and Districts Historical Society does incredible work in uncovering local history, and I’m delighted that some of that rich heritage is now on display for everyone to enjoy.”
The CDHS holds an open day on the first Saturday of each month, inviting the public to explore its archives. Monthly meetings are held on the first Sunday of each month at the old Chermside school building.
For more information, find Chermside & Districts Historical Society on Facebook.
Read more stories from the Chermside Guide’s print magazine here:
- Chermside Connect: Updates from the Community
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Podcast Review: The Imperfects
- British Cinema Comes to Brisbane
- Grass Emperor – Lethrinus laticaudis
- Organic Gardening in November
- Art of Banksy Chapter 2 Premieres in Brisbane
- Have Your Elf a Merry Little Evening at Hornets
- Two Legendary Tributes, One Disco-Fuelled Night
- Something Festive for Everyone at Burnie Brae’s Christmas Markets
- Inclusive Social Community Celebrates 9 Years of Connection
- The Dawn of Cinema
- Celebrating 100 Wonderful Years
- Local Youth Filmmaker Wins Best Documentary Award
- PCYC Zillmere Empowers Youth with Free Programs
- Peter FitzSimons to Discuss Weary Dunlop at Chermside Library
- Northside Church Unveils Red Bench for Domestic Violence Awareness
- Remembrance Day 2025
- Stafford Couple Celebrates 70 Years In Home They Built Together
- Anthology Showcases Papua New Guinean Speculative Fiction
