01/09/2025
Our community has lost two amazing contributors to our city, Bundaberg in recent times. Today, John Greenhalgh, a key face of “The Paris End of Bourbong Street”, has been laid to rest. John was a big supporter of the arts and in activating Bundaberg CBD. Such a positive life force that is already deeply missed by our community.
We were fortunate to recently host the models of Richard and Patsy from Beautiful Little Buildings who had created a model that includes Avenell Brothers that John and his family have been running since 1913. With permission from Richard and Patsy, the model will be on display for this week as we pay tributes to John and the passion he had for the arts.
Lastly, we would like to mention the passing of Ben Lathouras. In our current exhibition Showtime: A history of the Wintergarden Theatre, we feature a photo Michael Lathouras standing in front of the Elite Cafe in Bourbong Street. Jannos (Jack) Lathouras and his brothers, Michael and Mark, had opened two cafes in the main street of Bundaberg, Bourbong Street, the Elite Cafe and Royal Cafe.
Ben, son to Mark Lathouras continued the tradition with the family business in Bourbong St running the well-known Cafe Royal. Famous for his lollies and confectionary, Ben was known locally as The Candy Man. People travelled far and wide to eat the Rocky Road, Rockets, Chocolate Ginger and Peanut Brittle to name a few.
We are grateful for these men who added to the rich and vibrant history and arts scene in Bundaberg which we are grateful to be able to continue adding to at BridgeWorx.
Showtime: A history of the Wintergarden Theatre 1929 - 1968 on until 18th of September and open to the public (2 Maryborough Street, Bundaberg).
*Information gathered from the State Library of Bundaberg and Facebook group post: Bundaberg: Remember When by Julie Hay