Dr EA Koch Memorial, Cairns

The Dr EA Koch Memorial is a historic and revered heritage-listed memorial. Designed by Melrose & Fenwick and constructed in 1903, it stands as a testament to the significant contributions of Dr Edward Albert Koch to the field of tropical medicine in the late 19th century. The memorial was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 27 May 1997, recognizing its historical and cultural importance.

Dr Edward Albert Koch was a prominent figure in the Cairns community, serving as the head of Cairns hospital and running his own medical practice in the town. His exceptional medical skills, compassionate nature, and dedication to humanitarian work earned him the respect and admiration of the local residents. Particularly noteworthy was his expertise in treating tropical fevers, most notably malaria, which was a prevalent and deadly disease in far north Queensland during that time. In the 1880s, Dr Koch was one of the early pioneers in understanding the role of mosquitoes as carriers of the malaria parasite.

The Dr EA Koch Memorial, situated in Anzac Memorial Park. The design of the memorial is a testament to its historical significance. It consists of a square, rough-finished granite plinth supporting a polished granite base, standing at approximately 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) in height. On this base, four finely crafted marble columns rise to support an elegant dome structure.

Within the dome, on two sides, are beautifully sculpted likenesses of Dr Koch, carved from Carrara marble. These artistic representations serve to immortalize the memory of the esteemed doctor and his contributions to the community. The inscription on two faces of the polished granite base reads: "Erected by citizens of Cairns and District to the memory of Dr Koch 1901," paying homage to the public's gratitude and appreciation for his life's work.

Over time, the memorial has undergone some changes to maintain its integrity and functionality. Above the dome, a recent lamp fitting and lamp have been added, replicating the original lighting element that may have adorned the memorial in the past.