Fitzgibbon might be known now for modern homes and young families, but the area has a rich history that is being revealed in a new book.
Judy Wakabayashi has written Butterflies and Bandicoots: On Becoming Fitzgibbon, which chronicles the suburb’s early days right up to the bustling area it is now.
“I interviewed a former resident who recalls when Telegraph Road was just a dirt track, and she and her siblings would walk to school along it, and they would see lots of butterflies and bandicoots,” Judy said.
“We don’t see many bandicoots here now, so the title echoes our native fauna, and what we have lost as the suburb has progressed.”
Judy admits that when she first moved to Fitzgibbon, she felt the area lacked a certain vintage character.
“It seems very modern and clean and nice, but I’ve lived overseas in places with a deeper history, and it also doesn’t have the big Queenslander homes like other parts of Brisbane,” she said.
“I got involved in the community centre and I said we should put up a one-page timeline with the history of Fitzgibbon. I went home to do some research, and I came back with 100 pages; the next thing you know, it’s a book.”
During World War II, Fitzgibbon was home to a secret military installation. That area later went on to become a golf driving range and is now part of Holy Spirit high school.
And in the earliest days of settlement, the area was home to a human waste dump, which at that time, was an essential facility for people living in Sandgate.
From Horses to History: A Suburb’s Journey Captured
“What also surprised me, was the role of horses in the suburb,” Judy said.
“There used to be the Somerset Equine Centre in the suburb and at one point there was talk it would host Olympic equestrian events, if the city had won the bid.
“In 1986 there were just six families living in the area, and the equestrian centre hosted a three-day event with 15,000 people.”
Indigenous artist, Lisa Anne Caruana, designed the cover of the book.
“I was truly honoured when Judy asked to feature my Fitzgibbon art piece as the cover for her book,” Lisa said.
“It means so much to contribute to something that celebrates the heart of our suburb. I love our community – its culture, resilience, and the way we continue to grow together. To see my artwork represent that story is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Judy added there had been a great deal of growth in Fitzgibbon.
“Today, 6000 people live in Fitzgibbon, and it’s quite a contrast to the past seeing all these professionals and young families here,” Judy said.
“A lot has happened here and it’s quite a different story to other Brisbane suburbs.”
Judy’s book will be available at a special event being held at the Fitzgibbon Community Centre, and in coming months will also be available on Amazon.
Butterflies and Bandicoots: On Becoming Fitzgibbon Book Launch
- Saturday, 16 August, 1pm-2pm
- Fitzgibbon Community Centre
- 545 Roghan Road, Fitzgibbon
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
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- Organic Gardening in August
- Coffee culture in Australia
- Spes Bona, a Sandgate home
- Ride Into Ekka Fun With Family Savings
- The Hidden Cost of Not Deciding
- Community Concert Band Brings Big Sound To Sandgate
- Shorncliffe the Scene of the Crime in Local Author’s Debut
- Local Designer Heads to Cannes Fashion Showcase
- Yeeha! The Country Comes to the Bayside
- Raise a glass to these award winners
- Wax Lyrical with Local Poets
- Flinders Parade Guided Walk
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- Spotlight Shines on Sandgate’s Talent
