LOCAL HISTORY THEN & NOW: QUNABA HOUSE, BUNDABERG

Bundaberg is my birth town so I am especially drawn to its heritage. For as long as I can remember, I have always been captivated by old buildings and old places. There is much energy, many stories, and even spirits there. Often when I take myself to the older parts of a town, I find myself in awe of how many other people have walked my path and the life moments and memories that seem to still hang in the air.

As a history enthusiast, I have always been drawn to the stories and energy that emanate from the past.

And Qunaba House, erected in 1887, is a perfect example of this. Qunaba House is one of the oldest buildings in Bundaberg.

This beautiful building has stood the test of time and witnessed the evolution of Bundaberg.

Interestingly, many people assume that Qunaba is an aboriginal name, but it's not. The initials Q.U.N.A.B.A are actually derived from the building's original tenant, the Queensland National Bank. Designed by Francis Stanley, this iconic building has played an important role in Bundaberg's history.

The bank owned both the building and, at one time around 1900-ish, the original Qunaba Sugar Mill out at The Hummock near Bargara.

Today, Qunaba House is home to Payne Butler Lang solicitors, but its legacy as the oldest commercial building in Bundaberg lives on.

Location: 2 Targo Street, Bundaberg Central QLD 4670

Further reading: Queensland National Bank

Sources:

Early 1900s Picture: State Library of Queensland

March 2022 Picture: Quintin Graham