Kullaroo House

In the heart of Gladstone, Queensland, stands the historic Kullaroo House, a testament to the town's vibrant past and its enduring legacy. This heritage-listed building, located at 40 Goondoon Street, was originally constructed as the Gladstone branch of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Ltd. Designed by the renowned Brisbane architect James Percy Owen Cowlishaw, Kullaroo House has evolved over the years, serving various roles and standing as a symbol of the town's resilience and growth.

The Birth of Kullaroo House

The story of Kullaroo House begins in 1910 when the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney decided to establish a more permanent and substantial presence in Gladstone. Prior to this, the bank had been operating from leased premises, but the expiration of their lease prompted the decision to construct a purpose-built banking facility. The site at the southeast corner of Goondoon and Yarroon Streets was purchased in February 1909 for £600, and Cowlishaw was commissioned to design the building. The construction tender was awarded to A A Carrick of Brisbane, with a tender price of £4,650.

Construction began in 1910, and despite some challenges, the building was completed and handed over to the bank in May 1911. The bank opened for business in its new premises in June 1911. The design featured a two-storeyed structure with the banking chamber on the ground floor and the manager's residence on the upper floor. The building's face brickwork, classical elements, and substantial size made it a prominent landmark in Gladstone.

A Symbol of Revival

Kullaroo House's construction marked a period of renewed business confidence in Gladstone. The late 19th and early 20th centuries had been challenging for the town, with the local grazing industry suffering from cattle ticks and droughts. However, the development of a local dairying industry and the opening of a butter factory in 1905 helped revive the town's fortunes. The establishment of the bank's new premises signaled a belief in Gladstone's potential as an important regional center.

The building served the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney for nearly 50 years. In the mid-1950s, the bank commissioned new premises in Goondoon Street, designed by George Owen Cowlishaw, the son of the original architect. The new bank building opened in May 1958, and the original premises were sold to local businessman M.A. Busteed later that year.

Transformation and Adaptation

From the early 1960s, the building was known as Kullaroo House, a boarding house offering fine views of Gladstone Harbour from its upper verandahs. The name Kullaroo is believed to be an Aboriginal word meaning road that leads to water, a fitting description for a building with such a vantage point.

In the 1970s, new owners refurbished the building as law offices, retaining much of its original detailing. The late 1980s saw Kullaroo House repurposed as a restaurant, and in 1993, it was acquired by the Gladstone Port Authority. The building underwent further refurbishments and a large extension was added, imitating the original detailing. Today, Kullaroo House serves as office accommodation, with both floors of the 1911 building utilized for this purpose.

Architectural Grandeur

Kullaroo House is a substantial two-storeyed brick building with a double-height verandah on three sides and a projecting double-height entry porch. The porch, detailed with classical elements, is a striking feature of the building. The hipped corrugated iron roof is punctuated by three tall chimney stacks, adding to the building's grandeur.

The original layout of the bank included the banking chamber and associated offices on the ground floor, with the manager's residence above. The entrance porch opens onto the main banking chamber, which retains its original cedar door and window joinery, pressed metal ceiling, and black marble fireplace. The original safe, with its patent fireproof door and domed concrete ceiling, remains intact at the rear of the chamber.

On the upper floor, most of the internal walls have been removed to create a large open office space. Originally, this level served as the residence of the bank manager, with rooms opening onto the verandah. Although the French doors remain, they no longer function as doors due to modern office modifications.

Heritage Significance

Kullaroo House was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 5 March 1999. The building is significant for its demonstration of the evolution of Queensland's history and its role in illustrating the renewal of business confidence in Gladstone in the early 20th century. It stands as a fine example of Cowlishaw's architectural work and as a symbol of Gladstone's potential as an important regional center.

Today, Kullaroo House continues to captivate visitors with its architectural beauty and historical significance. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply appreciate grand architecture, a visit to Kullaroo House offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Gladstone's past and the enduring legacy of this remarkable building.