The Bundaberg Region community commemorated a number of significant milestones and anniversaries during 2022, including the War Widows’ 75th and Bundaberg Youth Orchestra’s 50th.
Read about some of the local milestones and anniversaries which were marked in 2022 and how each was honoured.
Moore Park Beach Arts celebrates 20th anniversary
At the beginning of 2022 Moore Park Beach Arts went from humble beginnings of creativity to an annual community event, and it celebrated its 20th anniversary on 21 January.
Founding member Muriel Patterson said the organisation began more than two decades ago, when she and Leone Burgess formed a new friendship.
Within a year the small group had grown in popularity as they welcomed more and more community members to take part in artisan workshop weekends.
Great Fire of Childers remembered 120 years on
On the of evening of 23 March, 1902, the “Great Fire of Childers” fire ripped through the business district leaving 23 buildings reduced to nothing more than ashes by the morning light.
Local history buff Scott Stedman helped mark the 120th anniversary by sharing these images and the story of what he said he had named the Great Fire of Childers.
Bundaberg RFDS takes to skies for 20 years
In March the Royal Flying Doctors Service celebrated 20 years of serving the Bundaberg community, offering medical assistance via air to thousands of patients each and every year.
Before the service started locally in 2002, residents and visitors to the Bundaberg Region who were required to travel for specialist care were relying on aircrafts dispatched from Brisbane and Rockhampton.
It was two decades ago that RFDS bridged that gap in establishing a base in Bundaberg to provide immediate care for residents.
Community members remembered Caroline Stuttle 20 years on
A memorial service and plaque unveiling was held on April 10 to mark 20 years since Caroline Stuttle tragically lost her life while visiting the Bundaberg Region.
Caroline’s family has also honoured her legacy by launching the Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation.
Brothers Bulldogs celebrate 50-year milestone
Brothers Bulldogs celebrated 50 years of kicking goals in May, with the milestone crowning the organisation among the oldest AFL clubs in the region.
Five decades of Brothers Bulldogs achievements and history are proudly on display in their clubhouse.
The walls are lined with memories including the 36 premiership cups and the expansive honour board.
Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club shares 100-year history
From 1921 to 2021, Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club has served the community through beach patrols, surf sports, fundraisers, carnivals, surf girls and junior activities and more.
Due to Covid-19 the centenary celebrations took place in May 2022, with a gala dinner and open day.
25 years of Bundaberg CMF Army Reserve Association
More than 80 members of the Bundaberg CMF Army Reserve Association gathered for a special celebration dinner in May to commemorate 25 years of operation.
CMF stands for Citizens Military Force but was changed in the early 1990s to what is now known as the Australian Army Reserve.
Service of Remembrance to mark anniversaries
A Service of Remembrance was held in July commemorating the 50th anniversary of Australia’s commitment to the Vietnam War and 75 years of Australian Peace Operations.
Held at the War Nurses Memorial Park, the services unveiled four plaques including the 75th Anniversary of Australian Peace Operations and 60th Anniversary of Australians in the Vietnam War.
Bundaberg Youth Orchestra’s 50th anniversary
Bundaberg Youth Orchestra celebrated its proud history which stretched across half a century at its special 50th anniversary reunion concert on 17 September.
Starting in the Bundaberg Region in 1972, Bundaberg Youth Orchestra has provided quality educational music opportunities to young musicians, some of whom have gone on to perform internationally.
Peirson Memorial Trust celebrates 75 years
Seventy-five years ago, an orphanage was established on a local family farm, starting a decades long passion for helping children in need through the Peirson Memorial Trust.
The organisation celebrated its milestone anniversary on 29 October, highlighting its mission to serve young people at risk of entering or in the care of the Child Protection and Youth Justice systems, as well as their families and carers.
Volunteer Marine Rescue 50 years among region's anniversaries of 2022
From the high seas to flooding suburbs, the Burnett River and out to Fraser Island, the search and rescue efforts of Volunteer Marine Rescue Bundaberg has spanned every inch of the region and beyond during the past 50 years.
To commemorate 50 years of Volunteer Marine Rescue Bundaberg a public open day was held at the Burnett Heads base on 6 November.
War Widows 75th anniversary.
The Bundaberg sub-branch of the Australian War Widows Queensland marked the 75th anniversary on 19 October.
In 1947, Mrs Jessie Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. It was the beginning of a powerful lobby group which is consulted by governments on all matters concerning War Widows today.
To recognise the milestone, the Bundaberg sub-branch hosted a luncheon and a white cross ceremony at Rowers on the River.
