on formal occasions such as the opening of the new bridge in 1952 and Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 1954. In 2023, a memorial bench and commemorative plaque were officially unveiled in Quay Street by current Rockhampton mayor Tony Williams, who said it was a fitting way to start Rockhampton Regional Council's new memorial and parks policy. The plaque was unveiled close to the site where Palmer's store had been located, diagonally opposite The Criterion Hotel, with the unveiling attended by some of Palmer's descendants. Palmer's great-grandson Andrew Palmer said he was pleased that Rockhampton Regional Council had finally recognised his great-grandfather's contribution, stating: "We’ve always felt he made a great contribution to the city and there was no real recognition of that, so we were very keen to see something the council recognised was an appropriate way to recognise his contributions as the first mayor and also a successful businessman." Andrew Palmer said the family considered the seat for its practical applications as well as an appropriate way to honour his great-grandfather, stating: "We thought the seat was practical for people wanting to rest along Quay Street and observe the historical buildings and the Fitzroy River. I think he was sure the town had a real future, so he would be delighted to see what’s happening in Rockhampton. He would be proud that the place where he had a role in starting has grown into the city it is today.” At the unveiling, Williams said he shared a common interest with Palmer in that they both wanted to see the city succeed. References Mayors of places in Queensland Businesspeople from Queensland 1825 births 1870 deaths People from Birr, County Offaly