Almost 50 people attended a special court ceremonial sitting in Bowen on Monday, marking the 150th anniversary of the supreme court in Bowen.
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland Helen Bowskill facilitated the event.
“This is a special ceremonial sitting of the supreme court together with the district court and the magistrates court,” Mrs Bowskill said.
“We hold this ceremonial sitting to mark and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the supreme court here at Bowen.”
President of the Queensland Law Society Rebecca Fogerty also spoke on the events significance.
“Queensland, unfortunately, is not known for its enthusiastic preservation of historic buildings, I am grateful that this courthouse, perhaps one of the more charming in Queensland remains,” she said.
“More visitors to the town centre can miss its commanding presence.
“In a literal sense many of us here today have spent our careers in and around courtrooms, more importantly, for many others in this community the course of their lives have been shaped significantly by decisions made within these walls.
“This courthouse announces itself on the street scape to its presence and design as is a common feature of classical revival style, the straight lines and striking curves are symbolic of the hierarchs’ orders of the state reinforcing the legitimacy of its power.
“The use of concrete and stone connotes stability, discipline, social order, this is significant in a coastal location where most buildings from this era were made of wood.”
Mrs Bowskill concluded the ceremony by thanking everyone in attendance.
“Thank you all again for coming along to this important occasion I hope that the collegiality of traditionary on display here is evident to all of you. I’m always, on any trip outside of Brisbane, warmed by the collegiality of the profession that is on display, more so than ever here in a true generational sense.”
“I hope the lawyers take the opportunity meet with some of the not so young lawyers because it’s a rare feat for you to meet some of the people who have plotted the course up here in the northern part of Queensland.”
Court in session
Smoking ceremony conducted by Randal Ross
Marking the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court at Bowen
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie