Villa Street, Annerley has been the focus of a two year project of Annerley-Stephens History Group (ASHG). A “living history” of Villa Street will be launched on Saturday 30 August 2025 at the Yeronga Community Centre. The event commences at 10.30 and goes through until 1.00 pm.

Villa Street is a rich area of Brisbane history from pre-colonial times to the present. Housing dating from the 1880s has been occupied by a wide cross-section of society including writer Jessica Anderson (whose Stories from the Warm Zone reflect 1920s Villa Street), the Cilento family of medicos together with politicians, artists, dancers, actors, teachers, newsagents, trades and business people, and dairymen in the 1800s. The back fences of half the Villa Street houses join Yeronga Memorial Park which was a tournament ground on Yuggera country as well as being a major WW2 camp for American and other troops and also a natural wild playground for the neighbourhood kids through all eras.    

Our research process has included many interviews with present and past residents who have contributed their stories and family photographs. The launch will be a very special event as many people who grew up in Villa Street are reunited and share their stories with each other and the current residents.

Join us for an exclusive evening of heritage and connection!

Brisbane Living Heritage invites our Members and Friends to a special Twilight at The Princess Theatre. Enjoy a private tour of this beautifully restored heritage venue and discover its stories behind the scenes.

This is more than just a tour – it’s an opportunity to meet fellow heritage enthusiasts, connect with the wider BLH community, and explore how you can be part of preserving Brisbane’s living heritage.

Whether you’re a long-time supporter or curious about becoming a member, we’d love to welcome you for an evening of conversation, history, and discovery.

Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with light nibbles provided, and a cash bar will be available throughout the evening for those who’d like to purchase a drink.

Cemetery Heritage and History Conference, Brisbane

Our old cemeteries are incredible repositories of history that provide a direct touchstone to the stories, narratives and cultures that shaped our past and present.

The Stories in Stone 2025 conference will share a range of fascinating insights into Queensland's historical cemeteries. Our highly knowledgeable presenters include cemetery historians, researchers, and volunteers; industry figures; musicians; and social media creators, every one of them passionate about preserving and exploring our memorial heritage.

Their perspectives will cover innovative headstone repair schemes; new forms of interpretation; challenges in cemetery management; heritage and community; and cemeteries as research sources.

The setting for this unique not-for-profit event is the beautiful and heritage-listed Hamilton Town Hall. This conference follows on from the successful ‘Stories in Stone’ event held at Brisbane's Commissariat Store in 2024 and is organised by the Stories in Stone committee in partnership with Brisbane Living Heritage.

presented by Stories in Stone in partnership with Brisbane Living Heritage.

This year, we celebrate the remarkable 250th anniversary of Jane’s birth, a milestone that is being honoured around the world.

Dr Heather Blasdale-Clarke leads us into the life of one of English literature’s most cherished figures. Step into the world of Jane Austen and explore why dancing was so important in her life and in her novels.

Jane Austen’s works often reflect the social customs and cultural practices of her time, and dance plays a significant role in her novels. The Regency era was characterized by formal social gatherings, balls, and dances, which were important venues for courtship and social interaction.

Join us at Abbey After Dark in this intimate evening at the Museum and see the charm of the Museum and collections illuminated at night, as we celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen.

Entry includes:

• Presentation by Dr Heather Clarke

• Selection of Cheeses served with Wine (or juice)

• Museum entry after dark (valued at $15)

• Regency Gift (valued at $10)