Jan, Nola and Merle remember their carefree and joyful childhood spent around Cleveland and the bays, sharing tales about the Despot corner store, the movies, swimming days and strawberry floats.
Author John Dillon will add his stories of visiting his Uncle here.
Join this entertaining panel of speakers spark some memories and mull over 'the good old days'.
It's an afternoon of connection, reflection and real stories from real people.

Arrival: 9:45am
Presentation Starts: 10:00am sharp
Morning Tea: 11:00am
Concludes: 11:30am

Your ticket includes morning tea and general entry to the Museum.

Join Dr Anastasia Dukova and the Queensland Police Museum team with stories of Queensland police in the Great War

Police historian Dr Anastasia Dukova whose 2024 publication provides the impetus for the exhibition, will present her research of Queensland Police officers who served during World War I.

Werona Armstrong and Mila Andersson will contextualise and situate the Queensland Police in the lead up to the war and the experience of policing at home during the war years.

Curator, Lisa Jones will speak about some of the personal stories of officers who went to war which were uncovered through the research of the exhibition. And finally, Kat Figueiredo (pre-recorded) will illustrate some of the impacts of war on the police soldiers who returned.

This five-person presentation will offer further insight into the War and Police exhibition currently on show at the Queensland Police Museum. Staff will welcome guests to join them after the presentation in the exhibition space.

Ever wanted to create your own mini museum? Dust off those old family photos and cherished keepsakes!

Join artist Blair Garland for a hands-on two-hour creative experience. You'll learn how to transform your personal history into a stunning, gallery-quality masterpiece.

Blair teaches sensory textile layering. Use rich fabrics and textures to build dramatic depth and even add your own custom stitching. You will also learn photo manipulation. The process of transforming old photographs and imagery into timeless art pieces.

Your inspiration could be vintage heirlooms or the nostalgic Redcliffe Jetty. Blair will help you blend past and present into a unique, multi-dimensional artwork.

No prior art experience needed. We’ll provide all materials, tools, and creative spark!

About the artist
Blair Garland is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist based on the Redcliffe Peninsula. She was finalist in the 2026 Stanthorpe Art Prize. Blair uses mixed media, textiles and sculpture to explore memory, history and storytelling. She loves helping people turn treasured moments into meaningful works of art.

Image credit: Blair Garland.

Take a trip back in time at Redcliffe Museum!

Discover the stories behind a fascinating collection of household items, farming tools and everyday objects in this relaxed, hands-on drawing workshop.

Explore the craftsmanship, ingenuity and lived experiences of earlier generations as you examine artefacts from the museum's collection. Choose an object that captures your interest and recreate it using only pencil and eraser. Take the time to observe its details and appreciate the workmanship of a bygone era.

No drawing experience is required. This beginner-friendly workshop is ideal for adults and teens looking to build confidence with pencil drawing techniques while connecting with local history.

About the artist
Belinda Hoole is a Redcliffe-based visual artist with a passion for both traditional and digital mediums, alongside her hands-on classes.

She runs a welcoming art class at Seaside Artists Gallery in Redcliffe through The Art Club, where she focuses on building drawing and painting confidence in a supportive, all-inclusive environment.

Image credit: Belinda Hoole.

Finding Magic is an intimate evening of Irish music, storytelling and song that celebrates the traditions, humour and spirit of Ireland.

Featuring Jack O'Leary, Martin Reece, Christian Rizzalli and Sebastian Flynn, the show brings together four accomplished musicians to create an immersive live experience where music and storytelling are woven together with warmth, authenticity and heart.

Inspired by the atmosphere of an Irish kitchen gathering, Finding Magic blends traditional tunes, beautiful songs and captivating stories into an evening that is both entertaining and deeply moving. More than a concert, it is an invitation to slow down, connect and experience the timeless power of shared music and story.

What does it take to build a fashion brand on your own terms? 

Few Australian designers have built a career quite like Gail Sorronda. At a time when emerging designers gravitated towards international fashion capitals and relentless seasonal cycles, Sorronda chose a different path, forging an independent label from Brisbane with a following beyond Australia through her signature aesthetic, creative vision and sense of purpose.

After graduating from QUT and a brief period working overseas, Sorronda returned to Brisbane to continue her creative practice on her own terms.

That same entrepreneurial spirit has shaped her approach to fashion. Rather than following a fast-paced calendar, Sorronda has developed collections around artistic concepts, dark romanticism and enduring core pieces, creating space for creativity and commerciality to coexist.

Over 2 decades, she has established a distinctive presence in Australian fashion, demonstrating that a fashion label can thrive from Brisbane without compromising its identity or vision.

Join Gail Sorronda in conversation as she reflects on entrepreneurship and the realities of sustaining an independent fashion label. From building a recognisable brand to navigating an evolving industry, she will reflect on the lessons, challenges and opportunities that have shaped her career. 

This conversation will be facilitated by Alison Kubler

Image: Gail Sorronda by Claudia Baxter Photography

To coincide with William Robinson: Lessons in Looking we will delve into Rachel Cusk's acclaimed novel Parade.
From the author of the Outline trilogy, Parade is a bold and original exploration of art, identity and perception. Through a series of interconnected narratives, Cusk follows the artist known as G, whose life and work challenge conventional ideas of selfhood, creativity and storytelling.

About Texta
Texta is a book club for people who love art. Using fiction (mostly), we explore the ideas, emotions and questions raised by art.
Conversations are facilitated by QUT Galleries and Museums Engagement Coordinator Renae Belton and QUT University Librarian Nicole Clark.
Texta is held throughout the year on Tuesday evenings. This title is also available via Audible.
Texta is delivered in partnership with QUT Library and the School of Creative Practice, Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice.

Date Start: 13 October 2026

Time Start: 4:30 PM

Date End: 13 October 2026

Time End: 6:00 PM

Inspired by the elegance of the Jane Austen era, this memorable evening combines fashion, music, dance and the intricate art of lace-making, alongside the museum's newest exhibition Lace it up.

Sip sparkling refreshments, watch the sunset over the waterfront and step back in time.

We'd like you to dust off your corset, straighten your hat, slip on your gloves, and prepare to dress to impress for a memorable night by the seaside. Prizes will be awarded for the Best Dressed Belle and Best Dressed Beau.

Enjoy hands-on lace-making demonstrations with the Queensland Lace Makers Guild, live musical entertainment, and a Regency-inspired dance performance that brings the period to life.

With delicious high tea refreshments and plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the elegance of a bygone era, this is an evening not to be missed.

Free - bookings essential

Calling all wildlife lovers!

Learn how to identify the birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians of Moreton Bay and gain fascinating insights into their behaviours, habitats, and important roles within our local ecosystems.

This informative and engaging presentation is perfect for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and anyone interested in learning more about the incredible animals that call our region home.

About the speaker
Neil Vaughan from the Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre (CREEC) brings a wealth of knowledge about native wildlife, flora, and fauna.

Passionate about environmental education, Neil regularly shares his expertise with the community, helping people better understand the natural world and the important role every species play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Image credit: Neil Vaughan.

Redcliffe Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

Exploring Moreton Bay wildlife
Join us for a fascinating exploration of the hidden world of seashore wildlife, insects and spiders found in Moreton Bay.

Discover the vital role this remarkable wildlife plays in local ecosystems. You will learn about their intriguing behaviours, and gain practical tips for identifying different species.

This informative and engaging presentation is perfect for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and anyone interested in learning more about the incredible insects that call our region home.

About the speaker
Neil Vaughan from the Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre (CREEC) brings a wealth of knowledge about native wildlife, flora, and fauna.

Passionate about environmental education, Neil regularly shares his expertise with the community. He loves helping people better understand the natural world and the important role every species plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Image credit: Neil Vaughan.

Redcliffe Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

2026 Annual General Meeting

Our Annual General Meeting is coming up on Thursday 1 October 2026, at the Brisbane Square Library Meeting Room, Ground Floor.

Members are invited to arrive from 9.30am, with the AGM commencing at 10.00am. Please stay afterwards for a cup of tea and a catch-up with fellow members.

This page will be updated with further information as the AGM approaches. Members will also receive the usual AGM information and documentation by email.

"Dangerous to Know: Early Colonial Doctors and Asylums in South East Queensland"

In the mid-19th century most doctors believed that cold water immersion, straightjackets and brandy would cure a disturbed person.

In the early 1860s, Queensland’s new colonial government hurriedly ordered a mental asylum to be built at Woogaroo. Another asylum for the poor and chronically ill was set up on Stradbroke Island.

None of the staff understood the problems they would face.Lack of skill and effective drugs were not the only reasons why patients received little care. The doctors had other priorities, ambitions, sectarian divisions and professional jealousies. Often described in biographies as medical heroes, many of these men were dangerous to know.

The Brisbane Courier summed it up in 1869.….the inmates of such an institution are at the mercy of' warders and nurses. As long as these do not quarrel among themselves, or are satisfied to keep each other's secrets, there is apparently no cruelty which they may not perpetrate undiscovered and unpunished. In this case the violence used threatened the immediate death of the patient…

Join us at Redcliffe Museum as we embark on a creative quest to make your own movable animal puppets!

Spark your child’s imagination in this school holiday workshop led by local artist Russell Solomon.

They will transform everyday craft materials into wacky, movable animal puppets.

Inspired by the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, your kids will create a take-home expressive animal puppet, master simple mechanics and bring funny, quirky characters to life.

About the artist
Russell Solomon is a multidisciplinary artist with more than 30 years’ experience. He creates evocative sculptures that explore the intersection of the natural world and our human impact on it. Russell has lived in Redcliffe for the past 25 years and has continuously exhibited and facilitated workshops within the community.

How has the school changed over 150 years?

Current Humpybong State School families, students and staff are invited to Redcliffe Museum for a special morning exploring the school’s history and its connection with the Redcliffe community. Memorabilia includes the school bell from 1929 and past school uniforms on display.

Hear from guest speakers and past members of the Humpybong community. Discover how classrooms, teaching, transport and everyday school life have changed across generations, while celebrating the people and stories that have shaped the school since 1876.

This event offers opportunities to share personal stories, ask questions and learn more about one of the Redcliffe Peninsula's longest-standing schools.

A special lunchtime conversation exploring the legacy of acclaimed Australian artist and educator William Robinson through the perspectives of those who knew him as a teacher.
Facilitated by Vanessa Van Ooyen, Director, QUT Galleries & Museums, alongside guest curator Anne Wallace and fellow former students of William Robinson, Stephen Brasch, Sally McRae and Sara Whomsley, this conversation reflects on Robinson's enduring impact as a teacher, mentor and creative influence.

Date Start: 18 September 2026

Time Start: 12:00 PM

Date End: 18 September 2026

Time End: 1:00 PM

We invite you to join us at Anzac Square Memorial Galleries on Sunday 13 September for a free and informative talk focused on the care and preservation of military-related items in your collection.

Whether you have medals, wartime mementos, or other historical objects, this session will provide valuable insights into the best practices for their protection and longevity.

This talk will be presented by State Library’s preservation team who will share expert tips on how to properly store and care for these important items, helping you appreciate their cultural and historical significance while ensuring they remain in good condition for years to come. It is an excellent opportunity to learn practical techniques for preserving your collection and to connect with others who share an interest in history and conservation. Questions are welcome.

After the talk, visitors can stay to explore the Memorial Galleries, embarking on an interactive journey from the World War I to today, before taking time to reflect on the remarkable stories of bravery and sacrifice in the tranquil parklands.

Anzac Square Memorial Galleries is located at 285 Ann Street, Brisbane. Entry is through the double brass doors located beneath the Shrine of Remembrance.

The Last ‘New Australia’ Communard

Join us to learn more about the New Australia commune in Paraguay!

Talk Abstract

The ‘girl’ is Margaret Hoare who was born on 22 January 1883 at Barcaldine, Queensland. In late 1893 Margaret and her family joined William Lane’s would-be utopian commune, called ‘New Australia’, in Paraguay.

As part of my doctoral research, by luck and my historian’s sleuthing, on 19 March 1984, I located and interviewed the 102-year-old Margaret, the last survivor of this remarkable communal experiment.

This talk will include extracts from that interview, and describe New Australia commune from her adolescent perspective – a humorous yet painful story of one girl’s ‘utopia’? Or was it her dystopia?

Speaker Bio

Dr Bill Metcalf is a retired social historian holding honorary positions at University of Queensland and Griffith University.

He is the author of twelve books and numerous journal and popular articles about history, particularly of utopian and communal ventures as well as Queensland/Brisbane history.

He has been granted the Distinguished Scholar Award, by the Communal Studies Association, USA, the ‘John Douglas Kerr Medal of Distinction in Research and Writing Australian History’, by RHSQ, and Distinguished Scholar award by the International Communal Studies Association, Israel.

He is a long-term member of RHSQ and serves on its Council.

Through her work as a writer, researcher and volunteer tour guide for Queensland's Government House since 2010, Judith Anderson OAM has developed a great interest in the history of this unique heritage-listed estate and the stories of the men and women who have left their mark on it, including John Stevenson, the wealthy pastoralist and parliamentarian who died in abject poverty in West End in 1912. Together with his wife Jane he is buried in South Brisbane Cemetery.

Judith's talk will be illustrated by a selection of historic and contemporary photographs.

About Judith Anderson

Judith Anderson was born and raised in Warwick, studied at The University of Queensland, and during her subsequent career has worked in Australia and overseas in fields ranging from international marketing, health education, and higher education management, to journalism, teaching at secondary, tertiary and community level, and arts management. She was awarded an OAM in 2012 for her contribution to the arts and to women.

Since retirement 16 years ago, she has worked as a free-lance writer, researcher and editor, has published a book about the history of the baking trade in Warwick, and has continued to contribute to a range of organisations as a volunteer including Zonta International.

In 1096, mobs moving through the Rhineland toward Jerusalem killed thousands of Jewish people in the first mass anti-Jewish violence in European history. It's a precedent many historians link to the antisemitism that culminated in the Holocaust. Historian and educator Dr Alan J Barrie re-examines the evidence, asking hard questions about Peter the Hermit's real role in the massacres, and challenges the accepted narrative of one of medieval history's most consequential and contested episodes.
Tickets: $8 concession or $10 adult (includes lecture and museum entry).

Experience the beauty and colour of period instruments as the Brisbane Baroque Players with soprano Luisa Tarnawski present a vibrant program of chamber music and arias by Vivaldi, Telemann, Mozart and more.
Presented as part of Brisbane City Council’s Bands in Parks program.

Date Start: 30 August 2026

Time Start: 11:00 AM

Date End: 30 August 2026

Time End: 12:00 PM

Step back in time—then make it your own in this hands-on silversmithing workshop. Learn to design and create textured earrings using recycled metals, exploring basic metalsmithing techniques such as mark-making, hand sawing, and stamping with letters and numbers.

You’ll also discover essential silversmithing skills, including soldering on stud posts and clip-on fittings, and ball making. Over 3 hours, you’ll craft 1–2 pairs of earrings, choosing from drop earrings, studs, or clip-ons, while adding your own creative touches and building practical skills in this timeless craft.
Under the guidance of Silversmith Jemica Ostrofski, learn how to design and fabricate textured earrings using recycled metals. The basic metalsmithing techniques of mark-making and hand sawing will be explored using various hammers, letter stamps, number stamps and other tools. You will also learn some basic silversmithing techniques, from soldering on stud posts and clip on earrings, and ball making. You will have the opportunity to add your own creative touches to your design along the way, while learning key techniques and skills.

Step into one of Brisbane’s most unexpected moments of cultural history. Led by historian Robert Allen, Queensland Walks and Brisbane Living Heritage, this guided walking tour examines the real‑world setting of the 1991 “Democracy Manifest” arrest through the lens of transport and urban design. What began as a police incident became enduring cultural folklore, shaped as much by place and movement networks as by people.

Walking through Fortitude Valley, the tour explores how streets, service lanes, building frontages and transport corridors create spaces of interaction, control and visibility. For transport professionals, it offers insight into how everyday movement networks and supporting infrastructure influence behaviour, public encounters, and the stories that shape our cities. Come learn about some the Valley’s schemers, dreamers, rogues and quiet achievers and the places they created.

The Democracy Manifest walking tour is a collaborative project by Queensland Walks, Brisbane Living Heritage and Robert Allen, Historian and walking tour host.  Democracy Manifest tour has been researched by Robert Allen, Professional historian and author. We are incredibly grateful to Robert for his research and guidance for this signature walk featured at Open House Brisbane and the Transport Professionals Association Conference, 2026.  

Step back in time—then make it your own in this hands-on workshop. Learn to design and craft textured rings using recycled copper piping, exploring foundational metalsmithing techniques with hammers and other traditional tools.

Over 3 hours, you’ll have the opportunity to create 2–3 rings, adding your own creative touches while developing key skills in this timeless craft.

Under the guidance of Silversmith Jemica Ostrofski, learn how to design and fabricate textured rings using recycled copper piping. The basic metalsmithing techniques of ring making can be explored using various hammers and other tools. You will have the opportunity to add your creative touches to your designs along the way, while learning key techniques and skills.

The workshop will run for 3 hours during which you will have the option of making 2 – 3 rings.

Morning and Afternoon workshops 9-12, 1-4

Our August seminar will focus on the lives of several Brisbane artists from the colonial period to modern times. Our expert presenters will speak about sculptors, an author, a film maker, a musician and an architect.

For over a quarter of a century Marguerite Weller was a distinctive figure in Brisbane’s cultural community. Though little-known today, her work in the fields of visual art and early childhood education coincided with Brisbane’s embrace of modernist art, design and architecture.

Henrietta née Percival, known in her adopted home of Brisbane firstly as Madame Mallalieu, and later Mrs Willmore, was one of Queensland’s notable musicians. She was a prolific performer as virtuoso pianist, chamber musician and organist being associated with the arrival of the Willis pipe organ which is now the cultural showpiece of Brisbane City Hall.

Charles Edward Chauvel was an Australian filmmaker, producer, actor and screenwriter, and nephew of General Sir Harry Chauvel. Perhaps best know for Forty Thousand Horsemen and Jedda, his early work was in silent films, followed by a spell in Hollywood before returning Australia.

Brisbane born David George Joseph Malouf came to prominence with Johno in the mid 1970s. He had a lifelong career as a poet, novelist, short story writer, playwright and librettist. Internationally renowned, he died in April this year.

Lange Leopold Powell was a noted architect who designed many important buildings in Brisbane and the state of Queensland. He started practice in 1909 his major works included St Martin's War Memorial Hospital (opened 1922) and the Masonic Temple, Brisbane (1928).

Born in 1934 Graham Radcliffe, was a professional sculptor who worked in both Italy and at home at Mount Glorious where he created the Phoenix Sculpture Garden, examples of his work set in a bush setting. Many feature unusual marble and onyx sourced from around the world.

Our presenters are Tim Roberts, Peter Roennfeldt, Andrew Best, Simon Farley, John East, and Margit Klee.

There will be a chance to mingle over tea and biscuits midway through the afternoon.

Entrance to the GT125 Theatre is located to the right of the Chapel when viewed from Gregory Terrace.

Registration and book stall from 12.30pm, presentations commence at 1pm.

Access to Theatre: When viewed from Gregory Terrace, the GT125 Theatre is in the building to the right

of the Chapel.

Enquiries: Robert Allen by email: rallen3@iinet.net.au RSVP by 19 August 2026

General Admission: $15.00 BHG Members $10.00

Booking Essential - By email/EFT brisbanehistoryevents@gmail.com Include attendees’ names, funds

transfer to Brisbane History Group, Westpac, BSB 734 000, A/C 093887.

Use your family name in the reference.

By Humanitix - https://events.humanitix.com/the-arts or via QR Code

Enjoy the Fascinating Science exhibition from Questacon and get hands-on with interactive tabletop demos from the UQ Demo Troupe.

Bribie Island Seaside Museum is celebrating National Science Week with the troupe - a team of passionate university STEM students who love sharing the excitement of science across Queensland.

Their hands-on activities captivate visitors of all ages, ranging from exploring how spacecraft move in a vacuum to discovering where clouds form. You can even watch a tornado spin to life right before your eyes. These lively demonstrations entertain curious minds and science newcomers alike.

Tabletop demonstrations are highly interactive and give visitors an opportunity to get hands-on and do some of the science for themselves. There are two sessions and bookings are essential.

Bribie Island Seaside Museum is open from Wednesday to Friday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM