Tom Wyatt unveils parkland in his name at Talbot Estate

The parklands were developed near the low-rental housing cottages and units in Wandal so residents can exercise and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Tom Wyatt unveiling signage with councillor Cherie Rutherford at the parkland named after him.

About 80 people gathered near Talbot Estate on Wednesday to witness Tom Wyatt unveil signage in the parklands named after him.

The parklands were developed near the low-rental housing cottages and units in Wandal so residents can exercise and enjoy the natural surroundings.

The 77-home estate has been operating for more than 60 years, since the then-Mayor Rex Pilbeam presided over a committee which planned its construction.

Initial funding to build the cottages and units was generated through public donations, the Annual Christmas tree Appeal held at the East and Denham Streets intersection, and subsidies from State and Federal Governments.

The cottages were built at a cost of approximately £1500 or $3000 in today’s currency and were rented out at £1 or $2 per week.

Around 80 Invited guests and residents of Talbot Estate at the new park launch.

In the 60 years of Talbot Estate there have only been three presidents, (Rex Pilbeam, Dr Laurie Georgeson and Tom Wyatt), three secretaries and five treasurers, a testament to the dedication and service of groups of committed volunteers ensuring the legacy of the original founders is preserved.

The newly established parkland was named in recognition of Tom Wyatt’s service as a committee member since 1976 and President since 2010.

Four former Board members were also recognised in conjunction with the Parklands launch with new signage being installed honouring the commitment of former Rockhampton Mayor, Rex Pilbeam, and Dr Norman Talbot in establishing the Estate.

Additional signage acknowledges the contribution of former Rockhampton Mayor, Jim McRae, for his involvement with the estate and Ted Griggs for his service as a trustee for over 30 years.

Tom Wyatt with members of the Talbot Estate Board and management Brad Keyworth, Lorraine Thornton, Graham Ivers, Tom Wyatt, Jeff Krause, Damien Martin, Graeme Brady, Jeff Brett (absent is Diane Murphy).

Graeme Brady thanked the Iwasaki Foundation for their financial contribution which allowed the first stage of the Tom Wyatt Parkland to become a reality.

He also noted the Board’s appreciation for the assistance provided by Jobs Queensland and Oram’s Nursery and Fitzroy Nurseries for the donation of plants.

The current Talbot Estate Inc Board and management said that, in addition to the development of the Tom Wyatt Parkland, they are committed to ensuring funds are consistently reinvested back into the Estate with regular maintenance and improvements to the cottages and units including the upgrade of 36 bathrooms through Federal Government assistance over the 2019-2021 period.