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The Oasis: Brisbane's Water Playground

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2016

Glenn R. Cooke
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Extract

My interest in The Oasis developed from research I have been pursuing into cultural icons in Brisbane: how they are defined and how they develop. I would suggest the development of ‘iconic’ status for any site is a construction of shared memory and is very much tied to place and identity. Over the fifty years of its existence, The Oasis, in the suburb of Sunnybank, was intimately integrated into the social fabric of Brisbane. It held its place in the affections of Brisbanites and of the many southern visitors who came to enjoy our winter sun. In these terms The Oasis and its tropical gardens became one of Brisbane's icons and, within the terms of our conference theme, an exemplar of ‘Tropical pleasures’.

Type
Special Issue: TROPICAL PLEASURES: A Focus on Queensland Gardens. Papers of the 24th National Australian Garden History Society, Brisbane 11–13 July 2003.
Information
Queensland Review , Volume 10 , Issue 2: Special Issue: Tropical Pleasures: A Focus on Queensland Gardens. Papers of the 24th National Australian Garden History Society, Brisbane 11-13 July 2003. , November 2003 , pp. 109 - 116
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 

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References

Notes

1 ‘The Oasis holds tourist appeal all year round’, Telegraph, Brisbane, 27 July 1968.Google Scholar

2 Johnson, E.. ‘Learning about Sunnybank’, undated text, John Oxley Library.Google Scholar

3 Dibben, Kay. ‘Strict rules kept bikinis out’, Sunday Sun, Brisbane, 4 Mar. 1990, p.36.Google Scholar

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5 Interview with Dennis Hundscheidt, Sunnybank, 27 Mar. 2003.Google Scholar

6 Johnson, E., op.cit.Google Scholar

7 A rival water centre, Acacia Gardens, was built the same year opposite The Oasis and was less rigid in its requirements. It was demolished in 1984 for a housing estate as well.Google Scholar

8 Interview with Dennis Hundscheidt, Sunnybank, 27 Mar. 2003.Google Scholar

9 The Courier-Mail Queensland Annual, Brisbane, 1967, p.26.Google Scholar

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20 Letter from Patty Munro to Glenn R. Cooke 14 Mar. 3003.Google Scholar

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