During World War 1, the people of Canungra raised money to build a suitable War Memorial to honour those who enlisted from the Shire, including Canungra, Tamborine Mountain, Tamborine, Biddaddaba and Beechmont.
The trustees of the fund were unable to agree on a site, or what form the memorial should take. So, they invested the money.
In 1938, Mrs Catherine Smith gave the land in the centre of town for DJ Smith Memorial Park. At last they had a site for the memorial.
The tower was built by Petrie & Sons with a 200 candle power electric light on top. 2 sides record the 136 names of those who went to WW1 from this area (including men who were working in the sawmill). The names include 18 who died in action.
After WW2 the third side was used to record those who had served in the fighting forces from 1939 to 1945. 170 names were added on this side, including the 20 who paid the supreme sacrifice.
