Banfield Memorial Reserve and Grave

A small memorial behind the main resort on Dunk Island commemorates the life of the ‘Beachcomber’, E J (Ted) Banfield. Banfield dedicated his life to preserving the flora and fauna of the island and published his experiences of living in his island paradise. Banfield accepted a job as sub-editor of the Townsville Daily Bulletin in 1882. Ill health led him to take time out during 1896, camping with his wife and friends on Dunk Island. A further deterioration to his health in 1897 led him to resign from the newspaper. Inspired by the writings and lifestyle of Henry David Thoreau, he and wife Bertha took out a 30 year lease on a small area on the island. Through his interaction with the local Banjin and Dijur people, he documented Aboriginal names and gained knowledge of their sustainable lifestyle. He was successful in having Dunk Island and the associated Family Islands declared a sanctuary for birds in 1905. Following his death in 1923, a stone cairn was erected over his grave with a quote from Thoreau. In 1936, after his wife’s death, the remainder of Dunk Island was protected. Today, Dunk Island is part of the Family Islands National Park.