Audio signs tell tales of region’s history

Residents and visitors to the region can now listen to stories about Bundaberg’s fascinating history following the installation of new interactive audio signs.

Under projects funded by the Australian Government’s ‘Your Community Heritage’ program, audio signs are being placed at six local historical sites including Mon Repos, the Barolin Nature Reserve, Barolin Homestead and Boolboonda Tunnel.

Environment and Natural Resources portfolio spokesperson Cr Danny Rowleson said the weatherproof signs helped to promote the importance of understanding and appreciating history.

“By pressing buttons on the signs, visitors can listen to short factual stories and get a better understanding of what life was like in the early days of settlement.”

“This is the first time that detailed historical information has been available at each site.” 

“Using a combination of old photos, memoirs, extracts from early newspapers and interviews, the audio signs recreate the sounds and voices of those times.”

The stories are also available on Council’s website for people who are unable to visit the sites.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said he was delighted the Australian Government was able to support such an important community heritage project, contributing $285,000.   

“The completion of this project ensures the preservation of this interesting part of Bundaberg’s heritage for future generations and visitors to the region,” Mr Pitt said.

“We’re glad we could work with Bundaberg Regional Council on such an innovative and interactive approach to the preservation of our important local heritage.”

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Area manager Peter Wright said that two of the signs are being installed at the Mon Repos Conservation Park.

“Mon Repos has major heritage significance as a place where Bert Hinkler conducted early forays into flight, the site of the heritage listed South Sea Islander Wall and the site of a telegraph station connecting Australia to the rest of the world by cable to New Caledonia.”

“The signs will enhance the experience of visitors to Mon Repos and help educate the public about the importance of maintaining our links to the past”.

Two of the six signs have already been installed, with the other 4 to be installed in the coming weeks.  The exact locations are:

• Mon Repos Conservation Park, Mon Repos (South Sea Islander Wall and Bert Hinkler)
• Turtle trail, Barolin Nature Reserve, Bargara (Woongarra Tramway and Cable Station) – already installed
• Barolin Esplanade, Innes Park (Barolin Homestead)
• Tunnel Road, off Gin Gin – Mt Perry Road (Boolboonda Tunnel

The audio stories can be heard on the internet under the “Bundaberg Stories” section of the Bundaberg library webpage.