A Part of Buderim's History

A Busy Mill Road in the Early Days.
by Joyce Short
September 2011

When I was young, Mill Road was known by everyone as Lantana Lane, because it had become a jungle of lantana growth except for barely leaving the two wheel tracks spared from its tenacious grip.  Very few vehicles use it and passing anything was impossible.

Apparently that had not been the case in the final years of the 1890’s era or the years up to WW1.  In those days there was a sugar mill there and a small Salvation Army Gospel Hall also.  A brass band of local people had been formed with quite a few of the band members being South Sea Islanders.

Every second Saturday afternoon the Salvation Army Captain from Nambour walked out to Buderim, stayed overnight, took a Sunday morning church service in the Hall and then walked back to Nambour Sunday afternoon.  On the alternate Sundays the Captain walked to Montville and did the same thing there.  On the Buderim church days the Brass Band formed up at Gloucester Street and Main Street corner and marching off playing their instruments led most of the young people, who were singing with the band, to the Gospel service.

According to my father-in-law they had the most wonderful day.  It was the social event of the week and nearly everyone went and met up with all their friends.