 |
 |
Hamilton
Bordering the Brisbane River and surrounded by Ascot, Albion and Newstead, Hamilton is one of Brisbane's most popular suburbs for owner-occupiers and investors alike.Located only five kilometres from the CBD, Hamilton also offers easy access to local landmarks like the Breakfast Creek Wharf, the Eagle Farm Racecourse and the Brisbane River, making it the perfect address for lovers of the outdoor lifestyle. Local parks, river walkways and water activities are popular all year round.
The suburb has a mix of houses (60%) and townhouse/units (40%) and is home to mostly young and established families. Excellent bus services in the area make getting to and from schools located in Hamilton and the neighbouring suburbs convenient.
For residents heading into the city, regular bus routes and the CityCat river service make the daily commute hassle free. Getting away for the weekend is also a breeze with easy access to the Gateway Motorway for coastal day trips, and the Brisbane Airport for interstate and international travel.
Revamping of the infrastructure around the suburb has added to Hamilton's appeal. As with neighbouring Ascot, Hamilton has developed a café atmosphere enticing both locals and visitors to the area.
History - Hamilton
Aboriginal history
The Turrbal clan occupied the northern side of the Brisbane River. White settlers often referred to this clan as the 'Duke of York's clan'. The Turrbal had camping grounds around the Breakfast Creek area.
The Turrbal people called Breakfast Creek Yowoggerra, meaning Corroboree Place. The explorers, Oxley and Cunningham, met clan members at the mouth of Breakfast Creek in 1824.
In 1858 two Aborigines from the Breakfast Creek area, Dalinkua and Dalpie, wrote letters to The Moreton Bay Courier protesting about the treatment their people received at the hands of the white settlers.
Urban development
The main route through Hamilton, Kingsford Smith Drive, was created by convict labour in 1829 -1830. The road connected Brisbane Town with the women's jail at Eagle Farm.
In 1899 the first tram ran to Ascot. This replaced the horse drawn trams and led to the suburb's rapid development.
IThe Hamilton Divisional Board formed in 1890 and was replaced by the Hamilton Town Council in 1904. In 1925 the Hamilton Town Council was disbanded when Ascot and Hamilton became part of the Brisbane City Council area.
The large subdivisions in the Ascot/Hamilton area were divided at this time to form smaller allotments. Residential growth increased with the development of housing estates.
Notable residents
In 1867 James Dickson constructed the large house called 'Toorak' in Annie Street. He was a company director before entering the Legislative Assembly in 1873, where he became Premier in 1898-99.
A strong supporter of Federation, Dicksonwas appointed the first Commonwealth Minister for Defence in 1901. He was knighted and died shortly after becoming Defence Minister.
Sir Charles Lilley spent his retirement years in 'Bayuda' in Windermer Road. When working he had an important role as chairman of a royal commission that resulted in the introduction of the State Education Act of 1875. He was also Queensland Premier from 1868-1870.
Landmarks
In 1920, the Council purchased 64 perches of land in Racecourse Road, where they constructed the Council Chambers and a public hall for £8,873. The building is called Hamilton Town Hall and is constructed of red bricks and glazed tiles manufactured locally at the Albion Pottery works.
The distinguished Italian architect-builder, Andrea Stombuco, built Palma Rosa in 1887. Located in Queens Road, the building was originally named Sans Souci. Stombuco was a great music lover and it is said he had five pianos installed in the house.
Reference: L. Jenkins, BRISbites, 2002
Hamilton's history has been compiled by Lesley Jenkins as a part of the BRISbites community history project.