At its 24 January 2024 Ordinary Meeting, Council resolved to begin the process, including public consultation with locals, with a view to renaming Gunalda Park at Balkin Street, Gunalda for the late Charlie Freeborn.
View a copy of the Notified Motion in the Council Minutes.
Charlie Freeborn, whose full name was Charles Henry Freeborn, was born in 1925 in Poole, Dorset, England.
He worked as a tradesman in England, taking on roles as both a plumber and a builder. Charlie was also a WWII veteran and served as a Sapper, which is a type of military engineer. Sappers handle tasks like building defenses, constructing roads and bridges, and carrying out demolitions. Although there are no specific deeds or accolades recorded for him, his role was crucial.
In February 1962, Charlie and his wife Eva bought a property in Gunalda, located at the corner of Queen Street and Balkin Street opposite Gunalda Park. They developed it into a store, snack bar, garage, service station, and house, which they called ‘The Lot Shop.’ Through this business, Charlie became very involved with the local community of farmers and business people. Today, the site is home to the Gunalda grocery store and post office and continues to serve the local Gunalda community.
The town of Gunalda was originally called ‘Keelar.’ It got its current name (Gunalda) in 1923 after the railway station (initially named Eaton Station) was established to handle mail on the Gympie to Maryborough line.
The town grew around the station and mainly supported agriculture, the timber industry, and the railway. It’s believed that Gunalda Park was named after the town.
Gunalda Park is centrally located in the town, bordered by Balkin Street, King Street, and Missing Street - opposite Charlie’s shop.
People say that Charlie played a key role in establishing Gunalda Park as a community space. Along with other locals, he planted many of the trees in the park and even placed an old truck there for children to climb on.
After Eva passed away in 1974, Charlie honoured her memory by planting trees in the park for many years. The family mentions there is still a flame tree in the park that Charlie planted.
Charlie passed away in 1994 at the age of 69.
A public survey is now open. Have your say before it closes on Tuesday, 11 March 2025.
Complete the Renaming of Gunalda Park Survey
If you have any information (or corrections) regarding Charlie or Gunalda Park that is not captured in this history, please email the Urban Design Team at urbandesign@gympie.qld.gov.au
Gympie Regional Council recognises the value of naming the region’s places and important features for the purpose of fostering a sense of community and celebrating historic events and shared connections. Named places help orientate visitors to our region and can assist emergency services to specific areas within larger open space.
View a copy of Council’s Naming of Council Facilities Policy here.