Rename Purbeck Place Park as Underwood Park

Council has received a request to rename Purbeck Place Park in Edge Hill as Underwood Park. Nearby residents and people who use the park are invited to have their say on the proposed name change.

Please email your feedback to l.jackson2@cairns.qld.gov.au.

Feedback closes 25 October 2026.

Why Underwood Park has been proposed

The proposed name recognises the Underwood family’s long association with Cairns.

Established in 1926 as A.L. Underwood Builders and Contractors, the family business has evolved over 100 years into what is now Underwood Party Hire. The family also lived at an estate named ‘Barkua’ in McManus Street, Edge Hill.  Subsequent generations have been involved in local business, community organisations, sporting groups and regional events.

Information submitted with the request outlines decades of volunteering and leadership across Rotary, youth development, agricultural shows, motorsport and event delivery. It also records support for charities, cultural festivals, sporting organisations and community events, with confirmed contributions estimated at $2,349,500.

Reference documents:

• Brief history of Underwood family ( PDF, 0.41 MB )
• Underwood family contributions  ( PDF, 0.14 MB )

What is being considered

This consultation is about the proposed park name change only. Council does not currently have plans to make improvements to the park. Other suggestions may be recorded, but they are not the focus of this consultation.

What happens next

After the consultation closes, Council will review the feedback and prepare a report for consideration. If the proposed name is adopted, relevant records and mapping will be updated, and a new sign will be installed at the park.