29/06/2024
Many of our younger or newer ‘Eumundiites’ may be unaware that the building behind the Eumundi Museum is the holding cell block from the old police station. Recently it received a long-overdue lick of paint and a set of replacement stairs, installed by Ubeaut Outdoor Living. This was done with the assistance of a heritage grant from the SCC.
The cells were originally built in 1914 and located next to the school along with the original police station and stables, although the constable was not provided with a horse until 1916! They remained there until 2005, when the station received a significant upgrade. The stables were too dilapidated and were demolished but the holding cells were rescued and transported across town to behind the museum.
The cells were certainly used but not often. They were most likely only used overnight for holding a few blokes who were drunk and disorderly. Perhaps the most infamous person was Michael Condon, a notorious criminal who escaped from the Royal Brisbane Hospital in 1953 but was soon caught hitch hiking just outside of Eumundi by Constable Horsford.
When you visit the museum, you can ask the staff to help you take a look inside. The cells will become more accessible after further renovations are completed over the next 12 months.
