In the wake of World War I, the Australian Commonwealth Government embarked on a noble initiative to provide land to servicemen who had served in the Australian and Imperial armed forces. This endeavour, known as the Beerburrum Soldier Settlement, was administered by the Queensland State Government and spanned from 1916 until the late 1920s. While the official program ended in the 1920s, many settlers remained on the land, and some of their descendants still reside in the region today.
The Beerburrum Soldier Settlement spanned 56,000 acres, stretching from Elimbah in the south to near Landsborough in the north and from the Pumicestone Passage in the east to the D’Aguilar Range in the west. This vast expanse of land was centred around the North Coast Line railway station of Beerburrum.
Beerburrum Soldier Settlement: A Legacy of WWI Veterans and Their Land
Upon receiving their plots, the settlers faced the daunting task of clearing untouched bushland. They had to establish their landholdings, build their own homes and cultivate pineapple crops. These pineapples were harvested and sold to a state cannery, eventually reaching consumers.
One of the significant landmarks from this period is the Elimbah Soldiers Memorial Hall, which was erected to honour the memory of fallen comrades who lost their lives in World War I. This rustic timber building was opened on ANZAC Day in 1922 and was attended by a large gathering of residents from Elimbah and surrounding districts. The weather was perfect, adding to the solemnity and significance of the day. Backing onto a serene bushland setting, the hall serves as a perfect venue for community and private functions.
Mr RJ Warren MLA was the guest of honour at the ceremony. Greeted with applause, he expressed his deep sense of honour at being chosen to perform the ceremony. Mr Warren emphasised the sanctity of ANZAC Day, a day dedicated to honouring the men who had bled for Australia. He praised the committee responsible for the hall, particularly Mr J English, who had constructed the building free of charge.
The Beerburrum Soldier Settlement and the Elimbah Soldiers Memorial Hall stand as enduring testaments to the resilience and dedication of Australia’s servicemen and the community that supported them. These historical landmarks continue to remind us of the sacrifices made and the enduring spirit of those who served.
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