-By Kim Parnell-

For local historian and author John Andersen, history has never just been about old photographs or faded newspaper clippings. It’s personal. It’s family. Much of that story begins with one name that has helped shape both Maryborough and Scarness for more than 160 years – Haddow.

That contribution will receive lasting recognition when the park surrounding the historic Scarness Rotunda is officially renamed Haddow’s Corner, honouring a family whose vision and community spirit helped define the seaside village long before Hervey Bay became the city we know today.

As the Rotunda celebrates its centenary the renaming of the surrounding park creates a fitting tribute to two pieces of local history that have become forever intertwined.

The Haddow story began in 1863 when John’s great-great-grandfather emigrated from Scotland with his family. Sadly, he died shortly after arriving in Maryborough. Despite early tragedy and hardship, the Haddow’s persevered and established deep roots in the region.

Over the following decades, successive generations left their mark. John’s great-grandfather helped build the Teddington Weir pumping station, while his grandfather, George Henry Haddow, became one of the district’s true pioneers. After operating businesses in Maryborough, including a dealership and cycle works, George moved his young family to the tiny coastal settlement of Scarness in the early 1920s.

What followed transformed the heart of the township.

George established one of the Bay’s first cafés and its first dedicated newsagency before adding a billiard room, hairdresser, takeaway and, remarkably for the time, a petrol bowser on the footpath. Soon after came Haddow Hall, which became the social heart of Scarness for decades.

From ballroom dancing and rock ‘n’ roll to school concerts, travelling shows, elections and community celebrations, Haddow Hall hosted generations of Fraser Coast memories. George also introduced attractions including a skating rink, miniature golf, slot cars and the much-loved Fun Parlour, helping make Scarness a destination for families for more than 50 years.

For John, however, the story is about much more than buildings.

His grandfather died when John was almost 12 years old, but the influence he left has lasted a lifetime.

“That man had more influence on me in those short 12 years than anyone else has had throughout my life,” John says. “We just clicked. He was an extremely well-respected member of the community who did so much to get Scarness going.”

Today, through his work with the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum, his books, thousands of photographs and decades of research, John continues preserving the stories of families like the Haddow’s. As descendants gather from across Queensland and overseas to witness the unveiling of Haddow’s Corner, the occasion celebrates not only a family legacy, but one that continues to shape the Fraser Coast today.

Event details:

Friday, August 14

Dual event: Scarness Rotunda centenary/Unveiling of new park signage.

3.30pm – 4.30pm

Next to Enzo’s on the Beach

Mayor George Seymour will unveil the new signage. There will be a performance by The Hervey Bay City Musicians and Mr Whippy Fraser Coast will generously donate 100 free ice creams in tribute to the late George Haddow Senior, who delivered ice cream by horse and cart throughout Hervey Bay in the 1920s – ‘Hervey Bay’s first Mr Whippy.’