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The iconic Queenslander Nelroyd an enduring landmark

Then and now photos of the Queenslander that proudly surveys one of Gympie’s busiest intersections highlight the unique character of this booming city.

Then and now of the iconic 'Nelroyd' in Gympie
Then and now of the iconic 'Nelroyd' in Gympie

Gympie heritage building Nelroyd is celebrating 20 years of restoration under the watchful eye of its owner and caretaker, dentist and businessman Mark Cull of Channon Lawrence Dental.

The building houses many stories on the corner of Lawrence and Channon Street, and at one time was the birthing house for rural women in the region, run by the Country Women’s Association.

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Twenty years ago it became home to Channon Lawrence Dental. The dentists and staff were all relieved to find respite in its walls after their practice in Mary St was impacted by the 1998 floods.

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It passed hands from Dr Brad Wright to Dr Cull in 2007. Both owners saw to the ongoing restoration of the house while building up their Gympie dental business.

Dr Cull is passionate about preserving its history, renovating it to keep with the colour and character of past times, along with keeping it as a continued embodiment of the unique, charming and “homely feel” that he prides his dental practice on.

Nelroyd’s owner and caretaker Mark Cull of Channon Lawrence Dental.
Nelroyd’s owner and caretaker Mark Cull of Channon Lawrence Dental.

“Instead of a medical block of concrete, this practice gets the hospitality that the semi-rural town of Gympie is renown for,” Dr Cull said.

Dr Cull is committed to the legacy of the building with a plaque in the waiting room outlining its history.

Inside the waiting room of Channon Lawrence Dental with the framed history and story of Nelroyd.
Inside the waiting room of Channon Lawrence Dental with the framed history and story of Nelroyd.

“While we’ve added more rooms, we’ve kept most of the rooms the same. The veranda has been preserved and even acts as a waiting room,” Dr Cull said.

The rapid growth and impeding urbanisation of Gympie and surrounds only highlights to Dr Cull how important it is that Gympie “hangs on to its unique history and character”.

Originally published as The iconic Queenslander Nelroyd an enduring landmark

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/gympie/community/the-iconic-queenslander-nelroyd-an-enduring-landmark/news-story/58234c501d1a7265fa9f0ede7cbbce8c