September 19, 2016
An 104-year-old building that has played a central role in Murgon’s history will be demolished soon.
Over the past century Graham House has been a private residence, a hospital, a student hostel, a block of flats, and at one time was even used to accommodate workers who were building the Boondooma Dam-Tarong pipeline.
Many Murgon residents were born there, including prominent citizens Colin Sippel, Richard (Ritchie) O’Neill and Margaret Jensen.
But the years haven’t been kind to the grand old structure, and last year current owner Graham House Community Centre was advised it was too expensive to renovate the building to bring it up to current standards.
In this year’s Budget, the State Government allocated $2.6 million to demolish Graham House and erect a modern building in its place.
The new building will ensure that all services provided by Graham House will be under one roof when it is completed.
Disability access will be catered for, too.
During the construction, Graham House services provided at the Taylor Street building will be moved to the hall at the building’s rear, with access from Pearen Street.
Graham House Community Centre plans to mount a display of photos and an outline of the building’s history in the new building’s entrance when construction is complete, so the history and memories associated with the site can be preserved.
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Murgon residents Phil Bishop and Rod Lonsdale are now organising a “Last Look” function on September 28 so locals with an emotional connection to Graham House can take one final look over the building before it is gone forever.
They would also like anyone who has Graham House photos or memorabilia they’d like to donate to the entrance project to bring them along.
The schedule for the Last Look on September 28 will be:
- Meet at the Murgon Dairy Museum (off Gayndah Road) on Wednesday morning, September 28
- Check out the Museum and talk ($5.00 entry)
- The museum will provide sandwiches, tea and coffee for lunch (small charge)
- Drive to Graham House, arriving at 2:00pm
- Reminisce
- Graham House will provide afternoon tea for a gold coin
- Go home for a nap
- Meet at Murgon RSL at 6:30pm for dinner at a venue to be confirmed
If you’d like to attend the Last Look at Graham House or need more details, Ron Lonsdale can be contacted on (07) 4124-8888 or by email
- Related article: Graham House … A Key Part Of Murgon’s History
