The Eternal Flame: The Heart of Anzac Square

At the heart of the Shrine of Remembrance at Anzac Square stands the Eternal Flame. Burning in a bronze urn, it serves as an everlasting reminder of those who died in their wartime service to Queensland. When reporting on plans for the Square in 1928, the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin commented, “The eternal flame is strikingly typical of the Anzac spirit, and while aiding concentration of thought when offering a tribute of thankfulness and pride, it should be a beacon of light and inspiration to rising and future generations.” (Morning Bulletin 1928). The first of its kind in this country, its original burner was made in Brussels, and the solid bronze urn was cast in Australia. 

The flame was always intended to be a focal point of the Square. S.H. Buchanan of architect firm Buchanan and Coucher said, "My whole conception of Queensland's State memorial centres round the urn and the eternal flame". He also spoke of his inspiration for the design. "I have seen many beautiful memorials in older lands, and... my mind went back to the Unknown Soldier Memorial at Anvers, Belgium... I vividly remembered its bronze urn and eternal flame of remembrance." (Telegraph 1929) The Flame was lit at the dedication ceremony for Anzac Square on Remembrance Day, 11th September 1930. 

True to this original intent, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Eternal Flame have long been the centre of significant observances at Anzac Square such as the Dawn Service on Anzac Day, and it’s interesting to note just how much customs adopted early on have become enduring traditions. An article in the Brisbane Courier on 26th April 1932 entitled, ‘Early Morning Service’ reported that, “In the flickering light of the Eternal Flame, Anzac Square, at dawn yesterday morning, mothers, wives, and comrades-in-arms placed their floral offerings at the foot of the urn with due solemnity.” Like present day Dawn Services, this ceremony commenced at 4:28am to correspond closely with the timing of the Gallipoli landings, and buglers played the Last Post and the Reveille. 

The Eternal Flame was moved in 2014 to a temporary location in Anzac Square while external restoration work was undertaken. These works were completed in April 2015, with a new electronic ignition system installed inside the Eternal Flame urn and repairs made to heritage elements, including tiling, paving and stonework.

Visit Anzac Square today to view the Eternal Flame and take a moment to quietly reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of all those who served. 

Anzac Square Memorial Galleries is open 10am-4pm Sunday - Friday and entry is free. 

References 

1929 'Anzac Memorial', The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), 5 March, p. 8. , viewed 03 Feb 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article183805537  

1932 'ETERNAL GAS FLAME', The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), 4 April, p. 3. (FINAL EXTRA), viewed 03 Feb 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229892351  

'ANZAC SQUARE.', Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), 27 December 1928, p. 10. , viewed 07 Mar 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article55321397 

'ANZAC SQUARE', The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), 11 November 1930, p. 9. (LATE CITY), viewed 10 Mar 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article184417257  

Queensland Government 2014, ‘Eternal Flame relocated for Anzac Square restoration’, viewed 13 March 2022, https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/75185  

Queensland Government n.d., Anzac Square restoration and enhancement project, viewed 13 March 2022, https://anzac100.initiatives.qld.gov.au/assets/docs/anzac-square-information-paper.pdf  

'THE ETERNAL FLAME.', The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), 26 April 1932, p. 11. , viewed 30 March 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article21802417