Queen saw Cairns grandstands fall during 1954 visit
A royal visit to Cairns Showgrounds in 1954 was remarkable for a dramatic incident and the Queen’s concern. A Far North woman shares what the day meant to her.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
WHEN Queen Elizabeth visited Cairns on March 13, 1954, Anna Bacalakis recalled how shocked she was when the overcrowded temporary stand she and her family were seated in collapsed during the civic reception at Parramatta Park.
The 91-year-old Clifton Beach beach resident was there with her sister, mother and two children Theo, two months and sister Maria, 3, to see Cairns Mayor Bill Fulton and his wife welcome the Queen and Prince Phillip.
“She came to the showgrounds and my son Theo was being held by my mother, we were on stools in the stand when it gave way,” Mrs Bacalakis said.
“Mum fell to the ground and the moment she saw what happened, when the stand collapsed and people fell to the ground the Queen was very concerned.”
A story in the Cairns Post on March 15, 1954 reported on the Queen’s expression of sympathy to those who attended.
“I thank you very much, Mr Mayor, for the fine welcome you have given me to Cairns,” she said.
“But I am concerned and I hope nobody is seriously hurt.”
Mrs Bacalakis said Her Majesty was very gracious.
“The Queen was sitting on a dais about 60 yards away and peered anxiously around when she heard screams from the falling people,” Mrs Bacalakis said.
“She spoke at the showgrounds, then she was out talking to everybody.”
The former Babinda cane farm resident said Theo managed to sleep through the whole incident.
“It was an exciting day,” she said.
“We were there for a while, people were waving flags.
“It was a long time back.”
The Cairns Post also reported that 500 people were seated on one stand and 1500 on the second.
“The Queen saw two crowded temporary stands collapse at Parramatta Park during her visit yesterday,” the paper reported.
“The stand on the west side collapsed a few minutes after the Queen arrived.
“Eleven people were injured and had miraculous escapes.
“Only two people were admitted to hospital – one woman with a broken leg and another with abrasions and shock.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Queen saw Cairns grandstands fall during 1954 visit
Cyclist suffers ‘significant injuries’ in solo crash south of Cairns
A Far North cyclist is recovering in hospital with “significant injuries” after crashing into a stationary vehicle.
Cops investigate feeding of Clyde amid calls for influencer to be fined
A Far North Qld landowner says it’s only a matter of time before someone is eaten as droves of people, including an Insta influencer, trespass on his land to feed, harass and have picnics near an iconic crocodile. Have your say and vote in our poll.