Community & Business
2 July, 2022
The history behind the name
Ever wondered why Mareeba’s main street is named Byrnes Street? MICHAEL MUSUMECI reports
BACK in 1894, the Honorable Thomas Joseph Byrnes came to Mareeba by train on 28 April, arriving at 2.30pm, and met at the Mareeba Railway Station by many townsfolk, before being entertained at a luncheon.
It was during this visit that Byrnes proposed a toast to the “Success to Mareeba”, with an added speech that was well supported by many of the town folk who would interrupt with applauses.
Urging Mareeba as a mining community to foster agricultural interests as the progress of the coastal towns were similar to the progress of Mareeba, Byrnes favoured a vote of 500 pounds by the government to put down a shaft to test the ground on the Hodgkinson goldfield, and if the trail was successful the money could be paid back to the government.
He then urged the public to endeavours to raise pound for pound voted by the government for this purpose.
The eagerly awaiting Mareeba Progress Association also asked for grants in aid of roads.
By 5pm on that day, a great number of folk accompanied him prior to him leaving.
Four years later at the age of 38, Byrnes became the Premier of Queensland.
But as his career continued to excel, tragedy struck, losing his life four months later in October of that year.
He was the first Premier to die in office.
Thomas Joseph Byrnes (11 November 1860 – 27 September 1898) was the 12th Premier of Queensland from April 1898 until his untimely death, contracting measles then pneumonia.
He was only 37 years of age.
Born in Brisbane, educated in Bowen, Brisbane Gammer School and the University of Sydney, he excelled in his academics and was a cabinet minister at the age of 30.
It is believed that Byrnes Street, Mareeba was named circa 1891 by the Barron Division for Thomas Joseph Byrnes, but there is also added information stating that the street could have also been named after his brothers who were miners and resided within the district.
Byrnes Street continues to be the main thoroughfare street for business and community and has seen so many changes over the generations, from its large open and wide streets for carriages and horses to large open fig and mango trees.
From a dusty open wide road to now, two lanes on either side, angled and middle parking, Byrnes Street sure has had many a facelift and continues to be the main showcase of our township.
