In June 1917, work began on a significant addition to the Bowen State Boys’ School — a new structure described at the time as “very handsome” and incorporating the latest advancements in school design. Upon completion, this building, now known as C Block, was celebrated as one of the finest school buildings in Queensland.
Affectionately referred to over the years as “The Big Room”, the building was a high-set timber structure with a gable roof and verandas on both the northern and southern sides, designed to suit the tropical climate and maximise ventilation and light.
In 1919, the building gained further significance with the installation of a WWI Honour Board, commemorating 70 former students who served in World War I. Crafted to resemble a Grecian Temple façade, the board was believed to be the largest of its kind in Queensland at the time. This powerful memorial was later relocated to the Bowen Historical Museum, where it remains a poignant tribute to the school’s past students and their service.
Today, C Block continues its legacy of service to the school. It now functions as the staff room and meeting space, a place where planning, collaboration, and professional dialogue shape the learning experiences of today’s Bowen students.