Map of Stephens Division and adjacent local government areas, March 1902
TheShire of Stephens was alocal government area in the inner southern suburbs ofBrisbane,Queensland, Australia. The shire, administered fromAnnerley, covered an area of 9 square miles (23 km2), and existed as a local government entity from 1886 until 1925, when it was amalgamated into theCity of Brisbane under theCity of Brisbane Act 1924.
Stephens Shire Council Office, 1906Former Stephens Shire offices, now a residence at 15 Ealing Street, Annerley, 2014
On 11 November 1879, theYeerongpilly Division was created as one of 74 divisions within Queensland under theDivisional Boards Act 1879.[2] On 14 October 1886, following a successful petition from ratepayers to create a new division,Stephens Division was severed from subdivision No. 1 of Yeerongpilly Division.[3][4][5] It had a board of six members (3 being elected by each of 2 subdivisions); the first board elections were held in February 1887.[6]
With the passage of theLocal Authorities Act 1902, Stephens Division became the Shire of Stephens on 31 March 1903.[5][7]
A major project undertaken by the shire was the creation of theYeronga Memorial Park. The land (bounded byIpswich Road, Villa Street, Park Road & School Road) was originally set aside in 1882 as a recreational reserve. Between 1917 and 1921 the shire redeveloped the park as a memorial to local participation in World War I, 14% of the population having enlisted for military service.[8] The park is listed on both theQueensland Heritage Register and theBrisbane Heritage Register.[9][10]
In 1923 the Stephens Croquet Club was established in the Yeronga Memorial Park consisting of two lawns and a clubhouse.[11]
The offices for the shire were located onIpswich Road, between Victoria Terrace and Junction Terrace.[8] In 1923, it was planned to develop a new council chambers, offices and a School of Arts, but this was delayed given the proposal to createGreater Brisbane which would have resulted in the abolition of Stephens Shire.[12]
On 1 October 1925, the Shire of Stephens was abolished and its area became part of the newCity of Brisbane.[7]
The shire offices and associated land were sold in 1929.[13] The building was relocated to the rear of the block and turned to face the street behind (its street address is now 15 Ealing Street) and was altered for use as a residence. It is listed on theBrisbane Heritage Register.[14]
The nameStephens survives in the Stephens Croquet Club which continues to operate under that name.[11]
^ab"Stephens Shire".Queensland Places. Centre for the Government of Queensland, University of Queensland.Archived from the original on 27 December 2013. Retrieved9 October 2013.
