Former Brisbane City Councillor for Central Ward, Deputy Mayor and now artist, Dr David Hinchliffe has many memories of New Farm Park.
This is an excerpt – read the full recollection at Family Stories of New Farm Park on www.newfarmpark.com.au
My parents came to New Farm in the 60s… We had no real backyard so New Farm Park was our backyard and our ‘adventure’ playground. It was like that for almost all the other children of the suburb who in those days were allowed to roam the streets and the park virtually at will so long as they were back home for dinner time. It was where we kicked balls, swung on swings, climbed trees and participated in a few illicit activities like a furtive smoke in the bushes.
I never imagined back then that I would one day be the Councillor for the area and in charge of all the parks in Brisbane – I doubt I even knew what a Councillor was. Fast forward quarter of a century and helping to look after New Farm Park was a cherished part of my Council job.
I remember the challenges associated with the park. I remember when the poincianas and the Jacarandas simply started to fall, however. They flattened cars and endangered lives – especially children. Most of the Poincianas are almost hollow from decay over the years. That’s why there are so many ring fences discouraging people from coming near them.
One of my most enduring and controversial memories was about the issue of homelessness in New Farm Park. There were a lot of homeless people who made their ‘home’ under the bushes in the park. (Some still do). Residents, businesses and police would regularly complain about them.
I decided to trial a compound in one remote corner of the park. I arranged to provide a toilet, a shelter, a barbecue and a shower (we didn’t even have hot water) for the use of the homeless.
Half the residents of New Farm were outraged at what I had done. The other half of New Farm thought it was a great idea… At the end of three months the decision was made by those higher up to remove the whole compound. However, it had raised the issue in the public’s eyes and pricked the consciences of politicians. Out of the closure of the compound came the idea to establish a Brisbane Housing Company (BHC). Almost quarter of a century later BHC has constructed and runs over 2000 units for people who have previously been homeless. It all started in New Farm park…
So, for me, New Farm Park has been both a playground and a battleground. It’s been a family sanctuary over the last 60 years and at times it’s been a political hotspot. Now, as a full-time artist I simply paint it! It is my ‘muse’.
I expect one day my ashes will provide compost for the beautiful roses in that historic park. A fitting end.
To read more of our family stories of New Farm Park anthology, visit www.newfarmpark.com.au. Email admin@newfarmpark.com.au with your own story of New Farm Park, including your contact details. Photos encouraged!
