Official opening date details revealed for Mary’s Place, Western Downs new development

Almost five years to the date since an iconic Western Downs pub was ‘engulfed in flames’, the lot it sat on will officially reopen as a public space for residents to enjoy, while commemorating a beloved member of the region. See all the details of the opening.

Western Downs new development, Mary’s Place, official opening date details revealed.

Residents can expect to soon enjoy a new public space that’s taken over the site of the beloved Commercial Hotel later this month.

Western Downs Regional Council and mayor Paul McVeigh have welcomed residents to visit Mary’s Place on its opening day, Saturday August 19 at 120 Cunningham St to celebrate a new chapter.

“Prior to its redevelopment, the site had a long history as a location where people could relax and enjoy each other’s company, and council is excited to announce that we will soon be able to honour that tradition once again at the official opening of Mary’s Place,” Mr McVeigh said.

The Commercial Hotel stood in Cunningham Street, Dalby, until it was destroyed by fire.

Mary Barry, who owned the popular hotel for 58 years, was remembered as a “legend of Dalby” following her passing in 2010, with close friend and former town mayor Warwick Geisel sharing that despite the beloved publican’s passing her memories would live on.

“If I ever mentioned Mary Barry’s pub when I was away at meetings or conferences, people immediately knew I was from Dalby,” he said.

The Commercial Hotel Dalby owner / publican Mary Barry 86yrs. Mary celebrated her 50th year in 2001 in the industry.

The space was taken over by Western Downs Regional Council in 2020 after the pub was “fully engulfed in flames” on August 22, 2018.

Dalby firefighter Lieutenant Peter Ehrich was one of the first responders on the scene that day and revealed it took until the following morning to get the blaze under control.

“The fire was mostly contained from the outside on the street, while we had other firefighters on the roof of one of the neighbouring buildings, and a couple crews at the front and out the back,” he said.

“It was probably one of the bigger fires we’ve had in our town for quite some time.”

Mary's Commercial Hotel on the morning it burnt down on August 22, 2018.

The opening celebration will kick off at 3pm on August 19 which will include a variety of family-friendly activities such as putt-putt, face painting, a jumping castle, lantern decorating, balloon twister, roaming entertainment and more.

Key features of the new public space will include colourful flowered arbours connecting Cunningham and Archibald streets, an outdoor screen for movies, digital art shows and other video content, main plaza for events and space to encourage local eateries and temporary food trucks.

“We also have a number of food and drink vendors jumping on board with the celebrations, selling their delicious treats to see you through the day,” Mr McVeigh said.

Concept art of the 120 Cunningham St project, Dalby. Picture: WDRC

“To bring the day to a close, the family favourite movie, Super Mario Bros, will play on the big screen from 6.30pm, marking the first of many outdoor movie nights to take place at the new location.

“This is such an exciting opportunity to come together and explore this wonderful new facility, but also pay tribute to the iconic Mary Barry, who has been immortalised as part of this public space.”

The event will be free to attend however cash may be required to purchase from particular stallholders.