There are unique Courthouses spread all across Queensland. One of those is what we would call the “old” Courthouse in Gympie. Designed by John Smith Murdoch, building of this structure commenced in 1900 and was finished by 1902.

While we call it the old Gympie Courthouse, this was not the original Courthouse in Gympie. It is believed there was a slab timber building built sometime in the 1860s which was initially used as the Gympie Courthouse up on what was then termed “Commissioner’s Hill” in Gympie. In about 1876 during the Gympie gold rush years, another rendered brick building on Channon Street was then built as the Gympie Court but it later became the Lands office. It is still there today further back towards the Gympie CBD, now housing the Australian Institute of Country Music. Tenders were called for this new building in the late 1800s and Bundaberg builder Edward Boyle won the contract.

In the early years, the roof gave trouble with water leaks. In 1907, Thomas Pye (architect) had the roof redesigned but it didn’t fix the problem. The issue of water leaking continued until the 1940s when a totally new roof structure was fitted to this Gympie Courthouse. One of the most notable features which stands out to us and which is often not found in Queensland’s various Courthouses is the large Clock Tower on the King Street (Gympie CBD) side of the building.

The Gympie Courthouse was entered into the State Heritage Register on 21 October 1992 for its demonstration of evolution, its principal characteristics, its cultural connections, its aesthetic significance and work associated with a particular person (Murdoch).

The efforts of those before us who built these monumental structures of justice and authority at a time when there were no trucks, cranes, excavators or cement mixers is truly commendable. It would have been no mean feat that’s for sure. Let’s hope it remains there for at least the next 122 years.

We are experienced lawyers who assist clients in cases all across the Gympie and Mary Valley Region. John has helped a number of Gympie clients find freedom and peace over the last decade who have found themselves embroiled in serious legal conflict. If you or someone you know are looking for an experienced and compassionate lawyer to actively listen to your concerns and assist no matter how difficult or complex the problem or case, please call our Lawyers office on (07) 4191 6470.