James Cook University Department of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Building

This building was the first Institute of Tropical Medicine in Australia, and a significant body of research was conducted here under its inaugural director, Dr Anton Breinl. The institute was established in 1908 after malaria parasites were discovered in blood samples in Cairns. Austrian doctor Anton Breinl was appointed as manager in 1910, having previously worked in the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. He and his assistant were housed in a wardsman’s quarters in the grounds of Townville hospital. By 1911, Breinl expanded research into physiological and anthropological problems associated with Europeans living in the tropics. A new laboratory and animal house were constructed. The Institute opened on 28 June 1913. Breinl instigated research and developed treatment for many of the diseases which plagued early settlers in North Queensland. The functions of the research institute were transferred to Sydney in 1930. During the 1950s the building housed the Commonwealth Health Laboratory. In 1987 James Cook University re-established the Australian Institute of Tropical Medicine in this building. It was named the Anton Breinl Centre in 1992. The building was recently sold into private hands, while the university constructed a new $31 million tropical medicine research facility on the Townsville Campus.