Amity flagpole preserved and displayed at Community Hall

The historic Amity timber flagpole is now on display at the Amity Point (Pulan Pulan) Community Hall following its removal from Cabarita Park due to the pole’s poor condition.

Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams said the flagpole had found a safe new home following collaboration between the Amity Point Progress Association, North Stradbroke Island Museum on Minjerribah and Council.

“The Amity flagpole has important historical value for many people in the Amity community and it is heartening to know its donation to the North Stradbroke Island Museum on Minjerribah has now seen it safely installed in the hall,” Cr Williams said.

“The flagpole had deteriorated and needed to be removed from the public park, and a truly collaborative effort between our organisations has resulted in a good outcome.

“A new interpretative sign, acknowledging the historical importance of the flagpole, including contributions by the Amity community, has been produced and is also installed in the hall.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the new sign also acknowledges the World War II veteran who handcrafted the flagpole.

“The historic flagpole, hand-crafted by the late Les Dufton from a single cypress pine tree over 60 years ago, is a wonderful piece of history for the Amity Point community to celebrate,” Cr Mitchell said.

“When its potential loss to erosion of the Rainbow Channel was noted in 1993, the Amity Point community rallied and relocated the flagpole to Cabarita Park, installing a plaque nearby noting Les’ dedicated service to the community as a voluntary first aid officer.

“It is great to see the historic flagpole and the new sign on display in the Amity Point Community Hall for the appreciation of existing residents and visitors, and for our future generations.

“Together, they will help keep alive the story of Les Dufton, the historic flagpole, and the dedication that Amity Point locals showed to their community.”