Townsville history restored at Anzac Park

Significant pieces of Townsville’s history have been preserved for future generations to enjoy, with the WJ Castling Memorial Fountain’s conservation works and replacement of lighting to the cenotaph being unveiled at a special ceremony today.

The works to restore the stonemasonry of the fountain at Anzac Park on The Strand to its original glory were undertaken by stonemason and heritage restoration specialists RJC Group.

The project was funded through Round 1 of the State Government’s Honouring Our Veterans Grant Program, with Council providing matched funding to deliver the work.

Council was able to secure a second grant through the same funding program to replace bollard lighting around the Townsville Cenotaph, which was built in the 1920s by stonemasons Melrose and Fenwick.

The WJ Castling Memorial Fountain was named for William J Castling, a Townsville resident who was born in Yorkshire, England, educated in Ipswich, sought luck on the goldfields of Chaters Towers and eventually settled in Townsville as a shareholder in a butchery in 1876.

Mr Castling was active in Townsville civic life, serving several terms as an alderman on the Townsville Council and later as a Member of the Legislative Assembly representing the city.

He was also a member of the Thuringowa Divisional Board, the Townsville Building Society, the Fire Brigade, the Chamber of Commerce, the Ayr Tramway Board, was a trustee of the Townsville Grammar School, and one of the original trustees of the Sports Reserve.

Mayor Nick Dametto said the restoration works would help protect and celebrate important pieces of Townsville’s heritage for generations to come.

“The WJ Castling Memorial Fountain was built in 1908 through public subscription, meaning the people of Townsville all chipped in to bring the project to life. Monuments like the memorial fountain and the cenotaph aren’t just nice features to have along The Strand – they play an important role in preserving Townsville’s history,” Cr Dametto said.

“As Australia’s largest garrison city, paying respect to those who came before us is incredibly important. I’m proud to see these works completed, ensuring the fountain and cenotaph can be visited and appreciated by locals and visitors alike while serving as lasting reminders of Townsville’s early history.”

Assistant Minister for Veterans and Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole APM MP said Townsville has a proud history as a garrison city, and it is important that we protect the places and monuments that help tell that story for generations to come.

“Anzac Park is a much-loved part of Townsville, and these improvements will help ensure the fountain and cenotaph continue to be places where locals and visitors can stop, reflect and pay their respects," Ms Poole said.

“The Crisafulli Government's Honouring Our Veterans Grant Program is delivering practical projects and helping protect an important part of our community’s heritage.”