Customs House Commonwealth Defence Forces WWII Honour Board

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Timber Honour Board with arched top. Painted inscription in gold lettering, dedicated to the members of the Customs Service who died during the Second World War. There are 5 individuals listed and their service recognised. There are three AIF and two RAAF personnel listed. In addition, the Board commemorates 43 other Officers who served. Although located at a University of Queensland facility, the Honour Boards remain the propoerty of the Australian Customs Service. Additional Information Designed by Charles McLay of the Colonial Architect's office, Customs House is two storeys high on the Queen Street frontage, while three storeys are visible from the river side. With work commencing in 1886, this imposing and rare surviving masterpiece of the Colonial Architects Office took three years and 38,346 to build. The Brisbane Customs House is a fine example of Victorian Free Classical style, with its grand colonnades and portico, and a dome which still manages to be a major feature on the landscape, despite being overlooked by adjacent high rise office and apartment blocks. After Federation in 1901 the Customs House became part of the commonwealth government's customs service and some of its elegant rooms were carved up as offices. Surrounded by busy wharves and trams, it became one of Brisbane's best known buildings. Conscious of the heritage value of the House, the Commonwealth government negotiated a lease with the University of Queensland which agreed to restore the property, generously supported by donations. (Source: Customs House website, University of Queensland)