un/tethered: connections through storytellers from Papua New Guinea (Copy)
About
Un/tethered brings together the stories of six creative women from the Papua New Guinea diaspora community in Queensland as they explore belonging and connection. Through objects carefully selected from their homes and the Queensland Museum collection, they examine cultural anchors, adaptations and the quiet ache of distance. Discover how the evolving nature of identity is woven through all we’re tethered to and all we’ve lost.
Thank you to the six participants and their families:
Kiri Chan
Stephanie Donigi
Paia Ingram
Ranu James
Kirsten McGavin
Natalie Richards
About Independence Day
Papua New Guinea’s Independence Day is celebrated both at home and in communities across Australia: a time to come together and celebrate the community’s strength and resilience. The 50th anniversary in 2025 marks a profound milestone of reclaimed sovereignty for the country and its people. Colonial rule in Papua New Guinea ended on 16 September 1975 with the appointment of the country’s first Prime Minister, Michael Somare, whose vision for nation building laid the foundation for the country’s future.
Accessibility
This exhibition features: background soundtrack, very low light and projection/video. For accessibility assistance and resources for this exhibition, including a sensory map and large print guide, please visit the museum’s accessibility page or contact the museum on (07) 3153 3000.
Acknowledgements
Queensland Museum acknowledges the First Peoples – the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters and sky where we live and work. We honour their unbroken connection to Country, culture, and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future. We recognise our shared history and commit to embedding First Nations voices in Queensland’s continuing story.
We extend our respects to Elders of the Papua New Guinea community who have made significant contributions to our community’s cultural fabric and worked hard to increase awareness and visibility of the diaspora community’s identities, histories, heritage and experiences.
Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islanders are advised that this display contains images and accounts of people who have passed away. We also advise that any racist and derogatory language contained in the display is ‘of its time’ and does not reflect the contemporary views of Queensland Museum. We have preserved this to help our audiences understand both past and ongoing experiences of Australian First Nations people and as part of our commitment to truth and reconciliation.
Exhibition portrait photography by Joe Ruckli.
‘We are all different’ Exhibition Redlands Coast Museum
About
Some visual artists choose oils, acrylics, watercolour or pastels on paper, canvas or timber panels – each has distinct properties that lend themselves to different effects. Sculptors prefer clay, stone, metal, wood – these mediums dictate the tools and often the form of the artwork.
Richness and diversity of artist’s styles makes the art world incredibly rich and diverse. Imagine if everyone drew in the exact same style – it would be far less compelling!
This exhibition is a salute to the differences in artist’s work.
Presented by May Sheppard, Robin Wilson, Anna Bray, Leo Herreygers, Chris Huber, Peter Steller, Delisa Appleton and Sharyn Talbot.
Make a Scene: Fashioning Queer Identity and Club Culture in the 90s
In the 1990s, a vibrant and creative underground nightclub and dance party scene emerged in Brisbane for LGBTQIA+ people and their allies – safe places to wear fabulous fashions that celebrated the community’s diversity and reflected a fearless self-expression of identity.
Coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality, this original exhibition by Queensland Museum brings together fashion, pop culture and LGBTQIA+ lived experience. Featuring extraordinary pieces from the museum’s costume and fashion collections, Make a Scene will reveal untold stories of Queensland’s LGBTQIA+ communities and illuminate key moments from this period of Brisbane’s history.
Exploring a diverse range of dress codes expressing LGBTQIA+ identity of the early 1990s, the exhibition will also highlight the works of two distinctly different, but interconnected Brisbane-based labels that represent a new queer youth culture crystallising in Queensland at the time – Mark Wilson’s Hairy Dog, and Kenn Bushby and Chrissy Feld’s Glamourpussy.
Journey back to the 90s dancefloor through fashion, objects and lived experiences generously shared by community, artists, designers and cultural institutions from Brisbane and beyond. The scene is set.
Discovering bush tucker with Murri Tukka
Cook up delicious First Nations treats in this school holiday workshop at Bribie Island Seaside Museum.
In collaboration with Bruce Phillips, proud Batjala man and founder of Murri Tukka, young people can explore elements of First Nations cuisine.
Bruce will deliver an engaging and educational workshop, where children will learn about local bush foods and participate in a hands-on program.
They will prepare delicious treats using well known and readily available bush foods, easy to replicate in the comfort of your own home.
Bruce's work shares thousand-year-old knowledge of how First Nations people would gather and prepare food, connecting land to plate through education and meal preparation with local bush ingredients.
Weaving pods of inspiration
:You are invited to weave a small pod or bowl under the guidance of a First Nations’ artist in this free workshop.
During the weaving process, traditional cultural inventions, knowledge and celebrations will be discussed and shared.
You can add a message to yourself to read in 12 months’ time, based on learning from the workshop conversations that may enhance your life in the future.
Free. Bookings required for catering purposes. All ages. This workshop is also being held at North Lakes Library.
About the facilitator
Sharni Ferrari is a proud Wakka Wakka woman, living on beautiful Kabi Kabi Country.
Sharni creates woven and crystal jewellery, accessories and home decor inspired by nature and culture in her business From the Flame Trees. She has a passion for weaving with humble, natural, sustainable and recycled materials.
redcliffe-museum@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
ph 0734806700
Tai Chi & Devonshire Tea - Senior's Month
Tai Chi, a series of slow, gentle movements and postures, combined with deep breathing and a meditative state of mind is often referred to as "meditation in motion", and is known for its relaxing and calming effects. A great exercise for good mental and physical health for young and old!
Join us this senior’s month for a Sunday of motion and morning tea on October 12th. Start your day with a class in Tai Chi, with instructors from Inner Circle Academy, set in the beautiful grounds of the village, then retire to the village hotel verandah for a Devonshire Tea with fresh scones, jam and cream.
Tickets $25 per person - includes entry to the village, Tai Chi class with qualified instructors and a Devonshire morning tea.
Tickets on sale at Trybooking.com
Organisation Name: Caboolture Historical Village
Organisation Website: www.historicalvillage.com.au
Organiser email: events@historicalvillage.com.au
Organiser Phone: 0432903363
Selden Society 2025 lecture three—The origins of contemporary judicial power in Papua New Guinea
Selden Society 2025 lecture three
The origins of contemporary judicial power in Papua New Guinea
Presented by the Hon Justice John Logan RFD
Thursday 16 October
5.15 for 5.30pm
Banco Court, Level 3, QEII Courts of Law
On the night of 19 June 1904, Christopher Stansfeld Robinson—the first Australian chief judicial officer in what became the Territory of Papua—died by suicide outside Government House in Port Moresby.
Behind this tragedy lay earlier tragedies, each rooted in the clash of civilisations that marked the colonial experience for what has become the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, for the Commonwealth of Australia and for a shared colonial predecessor, the United Kingdom.
Marking the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence, the Honourable Justice John Logan RFD will examine the causes of Robinson’s death and trace recurring themes in the development of judicial power in Papua New Guinea. His Honour suggests these themes offer valuable insights into Australia’s closest neighbour.
"Family Day" - Seniors Month
Our senior’s month "Family Day", will offer a memorable experience for families, featuring guided tours of the village, working demonstrations and traditional old-fashioned games. The day is designed to bring grandparents and grandchildren together, providing an opportunity for older generations to share how they lived, worked, and played in the past.
As a special ticketed feature of the day visitors can enjoy a package deal – includes buffet roast luncheon and live music, along with all the activities of the day plus a train ride in our little Village locomotive. Tickets are limited for this Family Day package which can be booked online through Trybooking.com.
The Family Day aims to strengthen community connections and foster inter-generational learning and engagement. A fun and educational day out for the whole family!
Normal Entry Fees – Adults $18, Concession $15, Child 6-16yrs $10, 5yrs & Under Free
Family Day Package – Includes entry to the Village, train ride, activities, and roast luncheon with live music – Adults $35, Child 16yrs & under $25
Tickets available at Trybooking.com
Organisation Website: www.historicalvillage.com.au
Organiser email: events@historicalvillage.com.au
Organiser Phone: 0432903363
National Trust Queensland Trust Talks: Step into History with Karl & Gertrude Langer at Wolston Farmhouse
Join us for a Trust Talks on Sunday 19 October at Wolston Farmhouse, a unique afternoon blending rich historical insight with theatrical storytelling.
Explore the lives of Dr Karl Langer, a modernist architect whose work helped shape Queensland’s post-war identity, and his wife, Dr Gertrude Langer, a passionate art historian who introduced Brisbane to the world of Modern Art.
Experience a live, time-travelling performance by Natalie Cowling as Gertrude Langer—witty, confident, and ahead of her time.
Event Schedule:
12:00 pm–12:30 pm – Trust Talk with Meg McKavanagh, Property Manager, Wolston Farmhouse
12:30 pm–1:00 pm – At Home with Gertrude Langer (live performance)
1:00 pm–2:00 pm – Cake and coffee on the Tea Terrace
Come celebrate the vision, style, and bold ideas that helped shape Brisbane.
Organisation Website: https://nationaltrustqld.org.au/
Organiser email: emillar@nationaltrustqld.org
Organiser Phone: 0413 490 536
Game Changers in conversation with Richards & Spence
Join us for an inspiring evening with Ingrid Richards and Adrian Spence, the visionary architects behind some of Queensland's most celebrated spaces, including Brisbane's iconic Calile Hotel.
Known for their signature approach — what they describe as "gentle brutalism" — Richards & Spence masterfully balance reductive materiality with structural monumentality. They aim to create spaces that are as inviting as they are striking.
Hear how this Queensland-based practice has helped transform Brisbane into a destination city.
Organisation Name: State Library of Queensland
Organisation Website: https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/
Organiser email: belinda.brown@slq.qld.gov.au
Sam Campbell – Window Sucker
Odd comedian Sam Campbell is en route to shed new light on all of the funniest topics before your very (beautiful) eyes. This guy is the full package but not the full dollar. Beneath every seat, we will place a loaded syringe, just in case he gets too carried away. Try to inject him near his spinal column if you dare or indeed can catch him.
Green Faces Finalist and Mo Award Nominee.
Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends
Walk alongside one of the planet’s most powerful and fascinating animals, on a journey stretching back over 130 million years. This interactive all-ages exhibition will bring you face-to-face with the mighty crocodile.
From ancient ‘supercrocs’ that once roamed with dinosaurs to the unique crocodile species living across the world today, Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends explores the science, culture and enduring connections between people and these remarkable creatures.
Crocodiles survived the dinosaurs, evolved and made their mark on culture, fascinating humans from early First Nations’ stories to Hollywood blockbusters of today. Where does the legend and the myth meet reality?
Experts from Queensland Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory have created this world premier exhibition.
Madness & Mayhem Halloween 2025
Discover what madness occurs during Halloween at the Caboolture Historical Village. The spectacular spooky fun starts at 5pm to 9pm on Friday 31st October.
This year’s theme is “Madness and Mayhem” encompassing all your favourite crazy characters and perhaps some not so crazy clowning about! Visitors of all ages are invited to dress up and join in the festivities, which include interactive displays, static displays, some trick or treating, scares, and more.
Our first hour is set aside for new and little monsters who are a little frightened of the whole Halloween experience. During this hour, while it is still light out, none of the displays move, light up, make noise, or scare so they get to enjoy it without all the scary bits.
Once 6pm closes in though it all comes alive so beware!
You are also invited to cast your vote for your favourite display on the night, all while supporting local community groups competing with decorated buildings, and scares for great prizes for their organisation. Community connection is so important, and once you have been bitten by the Halloween bug it doesn’t let you go, as we have seen with many returning groups this year from our competition last year. Rotary, Headspace and Reclink just to name a few. As well as some great new candidates with QPS Caboolture and the PCYC Woodford joining in the fun.
Special event entry fees apply, which is $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 6-16, with children 5 and under free. Tickets on sale from the 1st October with Trybooking.com or at the gate on the 31st October 2025.
The Caboolture Historical Village is located at 280 Beerburrum Rd, Caboolture. Parking is a gold coin donation to one of our community groups, Caboolture and District Woodcrafters, helping on the night.
For more information follow the Caboolture Historical Village on Facebook.
Exhibition opening: Kirrenderri - Heart of the Channel Country
Join us for the launch of Kirrenderri: Heart of the Channel Country.
This captivating exhibition showcases the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Channel Country.
Guest speakers include Mandana Mapar, Curator at University of Queensland Anthropology Museum, and co-curators and Mithaka Aboriginal Corporation representatives Shawnee Gorringe and Tracey Hough.
Enjoy a Q&A session and explore rarely seen artefacts, photographs and interviews highlighting remarkable records from remote south-west Queensland.
This national story explores the extensive trading routes stretching across Northern Queensland, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and News South Wales.
The awe-inspiring Channel Country is known for its monumental stone arrangements, quarries and intricate network of river channels.
During flood periods, these channels transform vast plains to swelling local rivers and recharging aquifers across the Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre Basin region.
The exhibition highlights sites of cultural significance. It celebrates more than 140 years of resilience and relationships between Aboriginal and pastoralist families in this extraordinary landscape.
Free - bookings essential. All ages.
Image credit: Max Gorringe at Tibooburra Rodeo in the 1980s. Courtesy George Gorringe.
Redcliffe Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00PM.
Organiser email: redcliffe.museum@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
Organiser Phone: 0734806700
Event submitted by:: Redcliffe Museum
Anzac Avenue centennial celebration at Redcliffe Museum
Celebrate the centennial of Anzac Avenue at Redcliffe Museum.
In 1921, Thomas Rothwell proposed an "avenue of honour" to commemorate the soldiers of WWI.
The road was built by returned servicemen as a re-employment project, starting in December 1922, and funded through public fundraising and government contributions.
Two cocos palms were donated by Elizabeth Petrie and planted on 2 March 1925 by the Governor, Sir Matthew Nathan.
More than 2000 trees were planted by 1933. It is still the longest memorial avenue in the State. It is also a major arterial road spanning approximately 18 kilometres from Petrie to Redcliffe.
From its initial conception remembering the WW1 soldiers, it is now a living memorial honouring all veterans. The avenue was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2009.
Free - bookings required. All ages.
Guest speaker
Helen V. Smith is a historian, researcher, and author with a strong interest in Australian, English, medical and social history.
Researching since 1986, she has spoken in person and online nationally and internationally. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Genealogical Speakers Guild and Australian Historical Association.
Redcliffe Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Organiser email: redcliffe.museum@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
Organiser Phone: 0734806700
Event submitted by:: Redcliffe Museum
The sound of memory: the life and legacy of Rudolf Pekárek
A unique musical tribute to be held in the museum to honour Queensland survivor and orchestra conductor Rudolf Pekárek, by visiting Romanian musicians.
Public Art on Country: Collaboration, Place and Cultural Legacy
Public art has the power to honour stories, shape place, and create enduring cultural legacies. This half-day seminar brings together artists and curators to explore how meaningful collaboration and site-responsive practice can result in meaningful and powerful public artworks.
Framed by the new sculpture Acknowledgement to Kabi Kabi Country by Lyndon Davis and Russell Anderson, the program includes keynote talks by Dr John Waldron and Lubi Thomas, alongside an artist panel discussion involving Lyndon Davis, Simone Eisler, Russell Anderson, and Lubi Thomas.
This event is ideal for artists, curators, commissioners, fabricators and anyone interested in the future of public art in Queensland and beyond.
Time: 9am - 12pm
Location: 31 The Abbey Place, Caboolture QLD 4510 (starting at the Abbey Museum & Cafe)
Cost: $20 General Admission | $15 Concession | $10 Abbey Museum Friends
Optional - The Abbey Cafe will be open for lunch at the conclusion of the Q&A session. Please place a pre-order if you would like to have lunch at the Cafe.
The registration fee includes FREE entry to the Abbey Museum and, after the seminar, a visit to the exhibition Inspired Images: The Art of Faiths in the new Art Gallery with the Senior Curator, Michael Strong, in residence.
Drawing with Uncle Ron
Bribie Island Seaside Museum has engaged Elder Uncle Ron Powell to deliver a fun interactive nature sketch and drawing workshop for young people.
Uncle Ron has worked closely with young people as a community educator for many years, sharing his knowledge of all things natural. He is well versed from botany to geology and from maritime history through to First Nations culture.
Ron has collaborated with the Bribie Island Community Kindergarten to create and publish the popular children’s book Joondoburri Walk promoting children’s engagement with nature.
In this hands-on session, children will learn about local Bribie Island flora and traditional First Nations uses, including medicinal and culinary. They will then spend time drawing and sketching their own nature drawings.
Welcome to Brisbane
About
In 2024 part one of our examination of the topic of immigration our ‘Welcome to Brisbane’ seminar focused on European migrants. Part two, our August seminar, will shift the focus to our own hemisphere when we take a look at the Asian diaspora.
Our speakers will cover the experience of arrivals from six different countries: Darryl Low Choy on the resilience of the early Chinese settlers in Queensland, Elysha Rei on her grandparent’s post-war journey and the Japanese diaspora in Brisbane, Boom Buchanan on Thai migration to Brisbane over the decades, Muy Leng Ma on the three waves of Kmer (Cambodian) migration, Kieu Oanh Do on fifty years of Vietnamese settlement in Australia, and Andrew Jung on the Korean presence in Australia since 1975 and Australian legacy in Korea since 1889.
With such a diverse range communities, the afternoon promises to be both interesting and informative.
Seminar registration is from 12.30pm, presentations will commence at 1pm. Copies of our current and past publications will be available for purchase on the day (many at heavily discounted prices) and there will be a chance to chat and have a hot drink midway through the afternoon.
Access to the GT125 Theatre is from Gregory Terrace.
Indigenous Surveillance, Espionage & Justice
Hear from Dr Ray Kerkhove, respected historian and expert in Frontier Conflict in early Queensland, as he delves into details of Indigenous surveillance, signalling, home defence and 'double agents' during Australia's Frontier Wars.
He especially considers the role of eebi (policemen/spies) in the Kooroongoora movement of Inland Australia.
Queensland Police Museum
https://www.police.qld.gov.au/museum
07 3364 4013
Twilight at the Princess Theatre with Brisbane Living Heritage
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.
Switch on to Science 2025
Explore the Redlands Coast Museum to discover the science that makes things work!
Join their enthusiastic volunteers as they guide you through the workings of a wide variety of working vintage equipment, unravelling the scientific principles behind their operation. From Morse code to telegraph machines, from ancient telephones to crystal radio sets, there’s something to captivate the imagination of all ages. And prepare to be amazed as The Surfing Scientist, Ruben Meerman, returns to the Museum, showcasing captivating experiments!
Show ‘n’ Tell: Maguydan Quandamooka – The Quandamooka Story
Join us for a fascinating floor talk at the Redlands Coast Museum!
This Show ‘n’ Tell Focus: Maguydan Quandamooka – The Quandamooka Story.
Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Quandamooka people through Indigenous stories and artefacts. Presenters Fiona Eastwood and John Close will guide you through First Nations collections, sharing powerful stories and deep cultural insights.
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.
Our Story Live: Finding Pine Rivers settlers in immigration records
To celebrate the Journeys exhibition, genealogy expert Shauna Hicks explores records and resources available to research the early immigrants to the Pine Rivers area.
Shauna will discuss passenger lists, land order records and more.
Free – bookings essential. For 18+.
The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.