Dream realised as revamped Tait-Duke Cottage opens for business

Esme Tait’s wish of seeing her historic former home transformed into a community meeting place is now a reality.

Today Ms Tait cut the ribbon at the opening of Tait-Duke Community Cottage – Noosa’s newest community facility – following a major community renovation project.

“The house looks beautiful in its new setting. I’m so pleased to see my old home transformed for the benefit of the community to enjoy. It’s certainly more modern inside now, but I’m delighted the old Queenslander’s charm remains,” Ms Tait said.

Several organisations will call Tait-Duke Community Cottage home, among them Noosa Heads Rotary Club, which has leased the property from Council and will manage it as a community centre.

Tait-Duke Community Cottage has meeting rooms, a kitchen, office and reception area, plus bathroom and storage space.

Noosa Councillor Joe Jurisevic said Council was delighted to help with the restoration.

“Council is pleased to have been able to partner with the community to realise Esme’s wish for her iconic home to be used for the benefit of local community groups and not-for-profit organisations,” he said.

Council moved the house to Earl Street in 2015. It had previously occupied the site on the corner of Sidoni Street and Poinciana Avenue and was Esme Tait’s home for close to 87 years.

Both State and Federal governments contributed funding for the renovation, with a variety of community organisations and businesses contributing materials and expertise. Council support included $140,000 from Heritage Levy funds which went towards moving and restumping the building as well as renovation costs. 

The Tait-Duke Cottage grounds are home to Noosa Community Garden.

The Queenslander was built for Charles Tait and Emma Duke in 1919. Ms Tait gifted the house to the community when she moved into care.

7 June 2017