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.
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.
Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose
Celebrating Country and Culture through the bold designs of Magpie Goose.
Tickets for this very special live experience are strictly limited, please book now to avoid missing out.Celebrating Country and Culture through the bold designs of Magpie Goose.
Museum of Brisbane is excited to collaborate with Magpie Goose, a proudly Aboriginal owned and led fashion and social enterprise, to celebrate extraordinary First Peoples cultural stories and designs.
This exclusive to Brisbane exhibition, developed in close collaboration with Magpie Goose owners Amanda Hayman (Wakka Wakka and Kalkadoon) and Troy Casey (Kamilaroi), offers a deep dive into the work of some of the region’s most talented First Peoples artists and designers. Using clothing as a canvas for storytelling, this exciting collaboration will connect audiences with the rich and diverse cultural expressions of First Peoples communities in Queensland and beyond.
Discover the artists and stories behind the brand that’s making a difference, one garment at a time.
Accessible resources like audio descriptions, audio content and exhibition labels for download are available here.
Be the first to find out more about Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose by becoming a MoB Member.
ΝΟΣΤΟΙ | Homecomings: Stories of the Ionian Island Diaspora in Queensland
ΝΟΣΤΟΙ explores the way that storytelling, history, myth, memory and experience of the Ionian Islands off the western coast of Greece (Kerkyra, Paxi, Lefkada, Ithaki, Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Kythera) fuels the imagination and identity of the diaspora in Queensland.
The exhibition is the result of a three-year collaboration between the Antiquities Museum and Ionian Islands diaspora communities in Queensland. It combines artefacts, documents, garments and photographs from public and private collections with newly recorded oral histories to create a rich tapestry of how the islands are remembered, experienced and passed on to future generations.
Proudly presented by The University of Queensland RD Milns Antiquities Museum, UQ Arts, the Kytherian Association of Queensland, the Ithacan Society of Queensland, and supported by Friends of Antiquity and the Kytherian Brotherhood of Queensland.
Event Website URL: https://antiquities-museum.uq.edu.au/nostoi-homecomings-stories-ionian-island-diaspora-queensland
Dearly Departed: death in life
Death is a universal experience. It will come to us all. Yet the way we confront, discuss, experience and ultimately reckon with death, and the realities of dying, varies enormously. Culturally diverse traditions and practices around death offer unique insights into how communities around the world honour and mourn their loved ones, shaping vastly different experiences and understandings of life’s final chapter.
Throughout the 20th century, death became a quiet taboo; something rarely spoken of, despite touching every life. Positioned at the powerful intersection of history, art and emotion, Dearly Departed encourages audiences to reflect on what it means to live well, die well and honour those who came before us. It reframes death not as an ending, but as a profound and enduring part of Queensland’s living story.
Innovative, accessible, and deeply human, Dearly Departed: death in life invites visitors into a bold exploration of mortality across Queensland’s past, present and future. Through rich historical insight, evocative artistic interpretation and interactive design, the exhibition sparks meaningful conversation about life, death and the memories we hold.
Drawing on the State Library’s rich collections of objects and stories, the exhibition explores how social, cultural, spiritual, historical and political forces have shaped Queenslanders’ attitudes to death and dying – then and now.
Join us as we rediscover how confronting death helps us better understand life itself.
Content note
This exhibition features images, videos, and objects associated with death and dying. These can evoke emotions, memories, or personal reflections. Visitors are encouraged to move through the space at their own pace and to take breaks whenever needed. This exhibition contains photographs, videos and recordings of people who have since passed, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Warrajamba
Follow the mermaid in the bay.
Dive into story, culture and hands-on creativity with our latest Artist in Residence, Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins.
Journey alongside Delvene to the shores of Minjerribah and discover the ancestral story of Warrajamba, the mermaid, a living cultural legacy that Delvene continues to explore as she searches for its lost ending.
Get hands-on and create your own mermaid or dugong using artist-designed stamps, connecting with the stories of Warrajamba and Yungong, the dugong. Discover Delvene’s powerful sculptural work made from materials gathered from Country—yungair/yungaire (freshwater reed), talwalpin (beach hibiscus cotton tree), and quampie shell. Come and be immersed in a space that celebrates care for land, sea and story.
Visitors are also invited to create and connect through a series of workshops, school holiday activities, and opportunities to see Delvene creating in the space. Want to be the first to know? Become a MoB Member.
Fragile and Forever: Ceramics from the Queensland Museum Collection
Ubiquitous yet enduring, aesthetically appealing in their essence and artistry, ceramics are often at the heart of our rituals and ceremonies.
Explore Queensland Museum ceramics, from the artistic to the more practical, many on display for the very first time in this free exhibition.
From pottery fragments thousands of years old, made by the Jōmon people of Japan to contemporary artworks from celebrated First Nations artists, the exhibition showcases ceramics that are truly fragile and forever.
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Get ready to laugh at nature’s funniest moments! The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, organised annually, attracts submissions from across the world.
This competition celebrates the hilarity of our natural world and helps to highlight what we need to do to protect it.
Featuring 60 images, this exhibition showcases a selection of the winners and finalists’ images from the competition over the years.
Join us for a journey filled with laughter, joy, and a renewed sense of wonder for the animal kingdom.
Free. No bookings required. All ages.
Image credit: Jennifer Hadley, Talk to the fin.
Redcliffe Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Leah King-Smith: rhythm wRites
Leah KING-SMITH 'Shards #3' 2024, photographic and AI generated digital image. Courtesy of the artist.
Follow the mermaid in the bay.
rhythm wRites is an immersive exhibition orchestrated by Bigambul artist Leah King-Smith, exploring simultaneity, interconnectivity, rhythm, ethereality, spatiality and sound. Rooted in a decolonising framework, the exhibition features new work produced in collaboration with leading First Nations practitioners from the fields of visual art, music and creative writing: Robert Andrew (Yawuru), Nici Cumpston (Barkindji), Keely Eggmolesse (Gubbi Gubbi and Gooreng Gooreng) and Ellen van Neerven (Mununjali Yugambeh). Audio-visual installations drawing on First Nations experiences, histories, and intergenerational connectivity weave through the galleries alongside select works from King-Smith’s recent practice.
Kanako Enokida & BEMAC軌跡: path
Walking home, leaving bits of me, on the way. My body is collective. Collective of memories, traces, wounds, and scars. We are the thousands of threads in between, connecting, and breathing.
軌跡: path is a journey through liminal world. Living across cultures, ways of living, and embodied memories, I have been searching for sense of home and belonging. I work with transformative process of papermaking, breaking down worn garments into pulp to create paper sheets and sculptural forms. Donated by family from Japan and friends in Meanjin, each of them carried memory of the wearer. The transformation of the material becomes a metaphor of my experience: constantly breaking and becoming, in relation with friends, family and place. As pressures on international body is heightening, I started feeling the glass windows building up between me and the community in Meanjin that I very much love. My works aspire to break the windows, and to create a place that invites everyone to reflect on embodied memories, and to collectively yarn for connections that makes who we are, together.
This is a body of work made from my family heirloom garments: a white linen 襦袢 (juban) that my mum used to wear, blue jeans passed down from my mum, a brown eco-dyed shirt that my friend gave me, and black cotton work pants.
Kanako Enokida (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist born in Japan and currently based in Meanjin. Working across installation, papermaking, and performance, her practice brings together fibre and the body to create fragile yet intimate encounters for viewers. Her work is driven by an ongoing exploration of inter-cultural identity and the body as a site of liminality – a vessel of collective memory.
Red Riding Hood and the Wolf
In this fresh retelling, our curious and lively heroine drifts into a fantastical dream that whisks her away on a colourful adventure filled with quirky characters, unexpected challenges, and plenty of laughs.
The traditional wolf is reimagined as a mischievous figure within her dream – more puzzling than predatory – adding a touch of mystery and fun without the fright.
With its light-hearted spirit and imaginative storytelling, this production celebrates the power of dreams, the joy of exploration, and the magic of seeing the world through a child’s eyes.
Important Information
Please note: This performance uses theatrical haze and low fog effects.
Generously supported by Amanda, Alexandra and Claudia Talbot and the Ken Talbot Foundation
Bugs Ed Workshop
Insects are the most diverse and successful group of animals on Earth - and among the most beautiful and bizarre!
Explore their weird and wonderful shapes and sizes by examining amazing cases of preserved specimens from around the world. Learn about where they live, what they eat and how they protect themselves from harm.
Get up close and personal with some of our live local Australian insects such as giant stick insects, preying mantids, leaf insects and more. You can even hold a stick insect!
Be sure to book this experience and join us at the launch of our latest exhibition, The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.
Free - bookings essential. All ages.
Image credit: Bugs Ed.
Ellis and the night orchestra
Ellis and the Night Orchestra
Recommended for 0-8 year olds
Ellis and the Night Orchestra is a tiny opera for tiny people that blends live music, gentle storytelling and playful imagination into a high-quality theatre experience not to be missed.
Developed especially for young audiences by writer-director Julie Ritchey and composer/performer Tim Munro, the show features live chamber musicians from the Southern Cross Soloists, creating a playful and heartfelt musical world.
Ellis is too scared to sleep. Each time he lays down to close his eyes, he hears strange sounds. Is it a monster....or an airplane flying overhead? A creaky floor, or a ghost? They seem to be in the room with him. As the night goes on, Ellis befriends the sounds, becoming the conductor of his very own Night Orchestra and transforming his fears into beautiful music.
This intimate performance invites young audiences to explore sound, emotion and creativity in a safe and engaging environment. With a relaxed and sensory-friendly approach, children are encouraged to respond in their own way, making it an ideal first theatre experience.
Opening night performances on 27 June are presented as part of a special night at the library event, with free drop-in activities and the opportunity to visit the library after dark.
Places are limited so book now to secure your spot!
Before you book:
All children must be accompanied by an adult during these performances
Adults accompanying children do not require a ticket. Tickets only need to be purchased for attending children.
Mental as Anything 50th Anniversary Tour
Australia’s legendary band Mental As Anything is set to make a historic comeback in 2026 — the first in 25 years — as original founding members Peter O’Doherty and Reg Mombassa reunite, leading an exciting new lineup to perform once again under the iconic banner Mental As Anything.
The 2026 tour will mark the band’s 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of musical excellence with a series of exclusive festival appearances and select headline shows. Known for their infectious melodies, sharp wit, and unmistakable sound, the ARIA Hall of Fame inductees have carved out an enduring place in Australia’s cultural and musical history.
With 25 Top 40 hits in Australia, Mental As Anything’s catalogue includes beloved classics such as The Nips Are Getting Bigger, If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too?, Too Many Times, Come Around, Berserk Warriors, Spirit Got Lost, You’re So Strong, and the international smash Live It Up — a song that continues to receive regular airplay across the UK and Europe more than three decades after topping charts around the world.
Since the release of their debut album Get Wet in 1979, Mental As Anything have achieved chart success in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, and Canada, with a No. 4 in the UK, No. 3 in Germany, and No. 1 in Scandinavia.
What began as a Sydney pub band formed by five art students has, over fifty years, grown into one of Australia’s most successful and beloved musical acts. Boasting the highest number of hit songs of any Australian band, their influence extends beyond music— their film clips, poster art, album covers, and T-shirt designs are now among the most recognisable and iconic examples of Australian pop art.
This landmark 50th anniversary tour offers fans a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience the band’s timeless hits live once more — alongside new surprises that showcase their unique blend of songwriting, artistry, and performance flair.
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate one of Australia’s most iconic and enduring bands as they return to the stage in 2026.
Middle Earth Dance
One Does Not Simply Walk into Mordor...…but perhaps you can dance!
Join us for an evening of Medieval and English folk dances inspired by The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and all things Middle-earth. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or new to historical dance, come celebrate the spirit of adventure, friendship, and joyful movement that fills the Shire and beyond.
This event invites you to experience the charm and camaraderie of the Shire through lively, easy-to-learn dances that will transport you to a time of hobbits, elves, and epic quests. Feel the rhythm of the Old World as you dance with friends new and old, sharing laughter and fun in a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
Middle-earth attire is warmly encouraged to add to the festive mood— whether you come as a brave ranger, a merry hobbit, a wise wizard, or a graceful elf. But don’t worry if you don’t have a costume; your enthusiasm is all you need! You’re welcome to come alone, with friends, or with your whole fellowship. No partner or prior dance experience is necessary.
Kids Dig It! Medieval Family Fun
The Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology is incredibly proud to share that the Abbey Medieval Festival has been awarded GOLD in Festivals & Events at the Australian Tourism Awards, recognising the event as the best in Australia in its category.
Following our Queensland Tourism Industry Council – QTIC Tourism Awards win, it was an honour to represent Queensland and the City of Moreton Bay on the national stage.
This achievement reflects the dedication of an extraordinary community who help bring the Abbey Medieval Festival to life each year.
NAIDOC 2026 Exhibition: Fifty Years of Deadly
Curated by Margie Kennedy (COOEE Program Manager) this moving exhibition is a visual truth telling that honours the past, speaks to the present and empowers the future, through powerful images, cultural content and stories. Fifty Years of Deadly captures the strength of Elders, the vision of youth and the legacy that continues to shape their communities.
Wildlife Photography Talk
Learn how to capture the perfect shot in this insightful wildlife photography talk at Redcliffe Museum.
In conjunction with the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition, this talk explores this unique art with renowned award-winning photographer Michael Snedic. Discover techniques for candid compositions, creative captures, and photography’s role in championing conservation.
After the workshop, enjoy the Comedy Wildlife exhibition and experience the humour, charm, and unexpected moments of animals from around the world.
Free - bookings essential. All ages.
About the photographer
Michael Snedic is an Australian-based nature and wildlife photographer with more than 24 years’ experience. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s most accomplished and published nature photographers, his award-winning images have appeared in hundreds of publications in Australia and internationally.
Since 2001, Michael has written extensively on nature and photography for leading magazines including Australian Geographic, Wildlife Australia, BirdLife Australia, the UK’s BBC Wildlife and Australian Photography + Digital, where he has been a feature writer since 2006.
Image credit: Michael Snedic.
Interactive story creation station
Discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef these school holidays in this free, family-friendly program.
Through engaging storytelling and activity, young participants will explore one of the most iconic and diverse ecosystems on Earth.
Children will learn how the reef functions as a living ecosystem—where corals, fish, plants, and other marine life are all connected and depend on one another to survive.
With a focus on science and discovery, participants will be inspired by reef life while gaining a deeper understanding of the Great Barrier Reef as the world’s largest living organism. Along the way, they’ll explore concepts such as habitats, biodiversity, and the importance of protecting our oceans.
This relaxed and imaginative session offers a fun opportunity for families to connect with science, nature, and creativity.
Free - no bookings required. Ages 5+.
Saturday, 04 July 2026 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Saturday, 11 July 2026 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Abbey Medieval Festival 2026.
The Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology is incredibly proud to share that the Abbey Medieval Festival has been awarded GOLD in Festivals & Events at the Australian Tourism Awards, recognising the event as the best in Australia in its category.
Following our Queensland Tourism Industry Council – QTIC Tourism Awards win, it was an honour to represent Queensland and the City of Moreton Bay on the national stage.
This achievement reflects the dedication of an extraordinary community who help bring the Abbey Medieval Festival to life each year.
Interactive story creation station
Discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef these school holidays in this free, family-friendly program.
Through engaging storytelling and activity, young participants will explore one of the most iconic and diverse ecosystems on Earth.
Children will learn how the reef functions as a living ecosystem—where corals, fish, plants, and other marine life are all connected and depend on one another to survive.
With a focus on science and discovery, participants will be inspired by reef life while gaining a deeper understanding of the Great Barrier Reef as the world’s largest living organism. Along the way, they’ll explore concepts such as habitats, biodiversity, and the importance of protecting our oceans.
This relaxed and imaginative session offers a fun opportunity for families to connect with science, nature, and creativity.
Free - no bookings required. Ages 5+.
Saturday, 04 July 2026 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Saturday, 11 July 2026 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Creative Leather Tooling – Open Workshop
This hands-on workshop introduces the foundational techniques of decorative leather tooling. Create your own Glasses Case, Purse or choose leather valet tray and key ring while learning how to use stamping tools to produce both simple and intricate patterns with confidence. Perfect for beginners and anyone wanting to explore a timeless craft.
This hands‑on workshop introduces participants to the foundational techniques of decorative leather tooling. Attendees will create a choice of glasses case, purse or valet tray and key ring while learning how to apply stamping tools to produce both simple and intricate designs with confidence.
**Special Discount Adult ticket now on offer for a short time only**
Workshop Content
· Introduction to creative tooling on natural vegetable-tanned leather
· Correct use and positioning of stamping tools
· Techniques for creating clean designs within borders
· Exploring how one tool can create multiple pattern effects
· Completing a leather valet tray and key ring using learned techniques
Ticket Includes:
• Entry to the Museum to explore our fascinating exhibits
*Booking fees apply.
Babies and Toddlers: Textiles Exhibition
Take a nostalgic journey through the early years of childhood with our Babies & Toddlers exhibition.
Featuring beautiful garments, accessories, and treasured keepsakes, this charming display showcases how babies and toddlers were cared for, dressed, and celebrated across generations.
A highlight of the exhibition is a beautifully restored baby pram from the Museum’s collection, carefully brought back to life by our dedicated volunteers.
Discover the stories behind these special items, reminisce about days gone by, and share your own memories as you explore this heartwarming exhibition.
Slow Stitch Sewing Workshops
Discover the creative art of slow stitching and learn the techniques of Transforming Clothing Through Textile Art. In this six-session workshop series, you’ll personalise and revitalise your clothing through decorative hand sewing, visible mending and creative textile embellishment. Guided by experienced tutors Susan Hoy and Sandra Johnson, you’ll learn a variety of hand stitches while working on your own garment. A relaxed and inspiring course celebrating creativity, sustainability and traditional textile skills.
*Booking fees apply.
Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards 2026
See Brisbane through the lens of local photographers.
The finalist exhibition of the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Photographic Awards brings together striking photographic works that capture the city’s spirit — from familiar streets and riverside scenes to the fleeting moments, routines and characters that make Brisbane feel like home.
New this year, the Brisbane Postcards Collection category invites photographers to showcase Brisbane’s charm and energy through images that locals recognise, and visitors instantly fall in love with. Selected winning works will be available as collectible postcards at MoB Shop.
Open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Brisbane, the 2026 Awards celebrate what makes our city unique through this year’s theme, Everyday Brisbane. Entries are now open and close 4pm Friday 5 June 2026. For category information and entry details, visit the Brisbane City Council website.
Selected works will also be displayed at Brisbane Airport Domestic Terminal for travellers and visitors to enjoy.
Presented in partnership with Brisbane City Council and Major Partner Brisbane Airport.
Mighty Machines Day at the Museum
Celebrate the Redlands Ekka Holiday with a day of discovery at the Museum!
Explore mighty machines big and small, including vintage cars, tractors, windmills, the Model T Ford, Morris Mini, steam engine, printing press, Motorail, and more.
Perfect for curious young minds, this family-friendly event showcases how machines helped build our communities and shape everyday life.
Spoon Carving Workshop
Step back into a slower time and experience the traditional craft of wood carving in this relaxing, beginner-friendly workshop. Using time-honoured techniques and hand tools, participants will shape a wooden spoon from a pre-cut timber blank while learning carving fundamentals, wood grain direction and safe tool handling. A mindful and rewarding introduction to a timeless skill passed down through generations.
Using time-honoured techniques and hand tools, participants will shape a wooden spoon from a pre-cut timber blank while learning the fundamentals of carving, wood grain direction and safe tool handling. This workshop offers a hands-on introduction to a skill that has been passed down for generations—practical, mindful and deeply satisfying.
Hosted by Catie & Steve, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the carving process in a supportive and enjoyable environment. By the end of the session, you will leave with your own handmade spoon, ready to finish, use at home, or gift to someone special.
A variety of spoon blanks and timber types will be available to choose from (depending on availability).
Intro to Metalsmithing – Copper Pipe Ring Workshop
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.
Intro to Metalsmithing – Copper Pipe Ring Workshop
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.
Intro to Silversmithing – Drop Earring/Stud/Clip On Earring Making Workshop
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.
Brisbane Festival at Brisbane Powerhouse 2026
Brisbane Powerhouse is Queensland’s home for contemporary culture, a magnificent power station of the 1920s reborn as an arts centre on the Brisbane River.
Brisbane Festival is a festival like no other, born from a city unlike any other.
A river city known for its bold energy and vibrant spirit, Brisbane also carries an unexpected rawness — rooted in a history of defiance, charged with intensity, and alive with thought-provoking creativity.
This duality defines us. We don’t just host a festival, we transform the city. Theatres, venues, parks, streets, and rooftops become vibrant stages for uniquely Brisbane experiences, where art collides with place, and audiences are immersed in moments that celebrate the city's contrasts — bright and electric, raw and revelatory.
Selden Society 2026 lecture 2: The last appeal from Queensland to the Privy Council
Selden Society 2026 lecture two
The last appeal from Queensland to the Privy Council
Presented by Sandy Thompson KC
Thursday 18 June
5.15 for 5.30pm
Banco Court, Level 3, QEII Courts of Law, Brisbane
Prior to the enactment of the Australia Act 1986 (Cth) and the Australia Act 1986 (UK), some Queensland court matters were appealed to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council for final determination. What were hearings like in this forum before this avenue of appeal was abolished?
In this lecture, Sandy Thompson KC will share his experiences appearing as counsel in 1985 and 1986, the latter (Coast Securities No. 9 Pty Ltd v Bondoukou Pty Ltd) being the last Queensland appeal to Her Majesty in Council. He will also trace the legislative history of appeals to the Privy Council and their eventual abolition in 1986.
Register to attend this free event and stay for refreshments and networking in the Portrait Gallery, or register for the livestream
More information
Visit sclqld.org.au/Selden for more information about the lecture and speaker.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
Image: Middlesex Guildhall 2012, meeting place for the Privy Council. Elisa.rolle / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0
Lecture: The Lady Bowen Lying-in Hospital
The Lady Bowen Lying-in hospital
Early midwifery practice in colonial Brisbane relied on untrained women. As the mortality rate for both mother and child was high, there was a need for a hospital to care for women in childbirth. Lady Bowen, wife of the first Queensland Governor, gave birth to three children at Government House. She recognised the need for those less fortunate to have a safe place to give birth. With a committee of ladies and some gentlemen she established the first maternity hospital, the Lady Bowen Lying-in Hospital, in Leichhardt Street in 1864. Former nurse Joy Wilson will share the 75-year history of this important institution.
About the speaker
Joy Wilson R.N. R.M. (ret) B.N. Dip. App. Sc Nr Ed F.C.N.A has had a career in nursing spanning 54 years. She completed General Nurse training in 1962 at the Brisbane Hospital and Midwifery at the Brisbane Women’s Hospital, now the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH). In 1978, she obtained a Cardiothoracic Certificate at the Prince Charles Hospital and in 1983 a Diploma of Applied Science. She continued her nursing education at QIT (now QUT) and was awarded a Bachelor of Nursing in 1993. Joy worked as a Nurse Educator and Staff Development Officer at the Princess Alexandra Hospital before retiring in 2008. She has a great love of nursing history and is currently the honorary curator at the Museum of Nursing History at the RBWH.
Date: 14 June 2026
Time: 1.40 pm for 2 pm start
Cost: $10 members and $15 non-members (includes afternoon tea)
Note: If you would like to contribute a plate to the afternoon tea, please contact the Secretary on 0493 276 388
Image: Front view of the Lady Bowen Lying-in Hospital on Wickham Terrace ca. 1912. Image courtesy of the State Library of Queensland.
Caring for the wounded: Rosemount repatriation hospital
Join us on Sunday 14 June for a free talk exploring the history of Rosemount Military hospital and the crucial role it played caring for returned service personnel.
‘Many Brisbane residents have visited the Rosemount Military Hospital at Windsor, and have realised the care and attention bestowed on the “Diggers” there.’ (Cairns Post 1924)
The advancement of weaponry during World War I significantly increased the severity of wounds for both allied and axis forces. Countless Australian soldiers returned home with complex medical conditions resulting from their service. The ongoing care of these individuals represented a logistical challenge for families and governments alike. In response repatriation hospitals, such as Rosemount, were established throughout Australia to provide medical care, rehabilitation and long-term treatment for World War I veterans.
Rosemount, located at Windsor, was opened in 1915 as 1 Australian Auxiliary Hospital (AAH), later becoming the 27 AHH. It specialised in the rehabilitation of orthopaedic and spinal injuries with massage, physiotherapy and amputee services. Such was the demand as World War I ended that Rosemount struggled to cater for its ever-growing patient lists, with the site requiring numerous additions. This important historical site is a testament to the those who survived the war and a reminder of the long-lasting health implications many suffered. Moreover, Rosemount draws attention to the essential role that medical staff played in the ongoing rehabilitation of wounded soldiers.
This talk will be presented by special guest Associate Professor Clifford Pollard, who served in Bougainville and East Timor as a member of the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps. He is the former Chair of the Queensland Trauma Clinical network, and previous Director of Trauma Services at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and Director of the Queensland Trauma Registry at the Centre of National Research in Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Queensland.
After the talk, visitors can stay to explore the Memorial Galleries, embarking on an interactive journey from the First World War 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.
Book now to secure your tickets.
Exhibition Tour of Make a Scene: Fashioning Queer Identity and Club Culture in the 90s at Queensland Museum Kurilpa
Join a guided tour of the groundbreaking exhibition Make a Scene: Fashioning Queer Identity and Club Culture in the 90s, led by museum staff.
Discover the captivating fashion and design elements on display, learn about some of the notable designers featured in the exhibition, and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into its creation.
Date Start: 12+19 June 2026
Time Start: 1:00 PM
Date End: 12+19 June 2026
Time End: 1:45 PM
Archives for Justice
Archives shape our understanding of the past and inform our decisions for the future. They preserve memory, uphold accountability and ensure important stories are never forgotten.
To mark International Archives Week 2026, we are hosting a free public panel discussion with Queensland State Archives on the role of archives in justice, governance and shaping future possibilities.
Hear from experts across archival, legal and justice sectors as they explore how records can uncover truth, support transparency in decision-making and deepen our understanding of the past and its impact today.
Date: Friday 12 June
Time: 10:30 am to 12 pm
Location: Queensland State Archives, Brisbane QLD
Cost: Free
Oral History Workshop
Oral History Queensland is holding a face-to-face workshop on 12 June 2026 at 12 Payne Street, Auchenflower. The workshop will be run by Elisabeth Gondwe who has a Master of Arts in Anthropology and Archaeology from James Cook University. Elisabeth has worked as an oral historian for 30 years and brings a strong oral history focus to her role as the curator at the North Stradbroke Island Museum on Minjerribah. She has designed and delivered many community oral history projects. This is an introductory workshop and would suit people who are commencing an oral history project. It will provide an overview of an oral history project, ethics and permissions, an introduction to interview techniques and recording, file management and transcribing. Anyone with an interest in oral history, family and local histories would benefit from this workshop.
Precious Threads 2026 Biennial Exhibition presented by The Embroiderers' Guild, Queensland
An exhibition of all forms of embroidery from over the years
The first Embroiderers’ Guild was formed in the United Kingdom in 1906 by sixteen former students of the Royal School of Needlework. The Guild was formed to build an awareness of stitch and textile art.
The Embroiderers’ Guild in Australia
In Australia, rather than having a single Guild nationwide, each state created its own independent Embroiderers’ Guild.
The first Australian Guild formed in New South Wales in 1957 and was initially formed as a branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild of London but very soon became an independent entity.
The Embroiderers’ Guild, Queensland
In 1964, Queensland members of The Embroiderers’ Guild of New South Wales began to meet monthly at members’ private residences within the Brisbane area. Towards the end of 1967, this group numbered around thirty and enquiries were made to the parent Guild in London regarding the procedures for association.
In May 1968, The Embroiderers’ Guild, Queensland Inc (EGQ) formed with Mabel McAlister OAM elected as EGQ’s first President. By the end of 1968, membership had risen to just under one hundred members.
The 2026 Queensland Day Dinner
Join us for our annual Queensland Day Dinner, commemorating the separation of Queensland from New South Wales in 1859. This year is a SPECIAL EDITION that will feature three speakers on the theme of military history. The John & Ruth Kerr medal will also be awarded during the dinner.
Winter Season Showcase: CROON - An Evening with Chris Herden
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of timeless music as local performer Chris Herden takes the stage for the Redlands Coast Museum's Winter Showcase.
A true crossover vocalist, Chris's career spans musical theatre, rock, pop, jazz and operetta. From semi-finalist in the Metropolitan Aria Competition to opening for UK heavy rock band Motörhead, his remarkable range and experience bring energy and authenticity to every performance.
Proudly a local Redlander, Chris will bring the house down in this special one-night showcase, celebrating the unforgettable sounds of the golden era of the 1960s & 70s.
Make your evening extra special—pre-book a delicious individual savoury grazing box!
Evening Performance
Doors open at 6:00pm | Grazing boxes available from 6.00pm | The Curtain will rise at 6.30pm | Concludes at 9.00pm
There will be a 20 min interval where you can purchase wine, beer, soft drink or tea/coffee.
Please note:
Discounted tickets are available exclusively to Redlands Coast Museum members and volunteers. Discounts are not transferable, with a limit of one discounted ticket per member/volunteer.
A booking fee applies.
Concert location within the Museum may change, and seating arrangements are subject to variation.
Exhibition opening: Fascinating Science Family Fun Day
Celebrate the opening of Questacon’s Fascinating Science exhibition with a hands-on day of discovery, puzzles, wildlife and cultural experiences for the whole family!
Fascinating Science explores everyday scientific principles through interactive challenges designed to spark curiosity. Solve puzzles involving logic, balance, illusions and mathematics — perfect for kids, teens and adults alike.
Free - no bookings required. All ages. Free sausage sizzle included.
What’s on
Tribal Link mobile classroom | Step inside the Tribal Link mobile classroom packed with cultural resources, art and artefacts. Participate in stories, songs, music and dance, all connected to a special STEM focus highlighting the themes of the Fascinating Science exhibition.
Wildlife Unleashed | Get up close to an incredible menagerie of Australian wildlife, including:
Snakes
Lizards
Saltwater crocodile
Birds
Wildlife Unleashed presenters will be on hand to introduce each animal and share fascinating facts.
Bribie Island National Park Turtle Conservation Group | Learn how turtle tracks are identified, nests are protected and the monitoring undertaken to support the conservation of these remarkable marine creatures.
World Environment Day
Join us at Redcliffe Museum to celebrate World Environment Day!
Jay from Kumbartcho nursery will help you discover the amazing flavours and stories behind Australian native bushfoods!
Jay is a conservation manager who’s passionate about native plants and loves showing people how incredible they really are. For thousands of years, First Nations people have used these plants for food, medicine and everyday life—and now you can learn about them too.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to spot different native bushfood plants, how to grow them at home, and how they’ve been traditionally used. You’ll get hands-on experience, hear interesting stories, and pick up practical gardening tips while reconnecting with nature.
While you are at the museum, explore our latest exhibition, The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.
Free - bookings required. All ages.
Image credit: Jay Schieder.
Redcliffe Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Remembering the Titanic at Redcliffe Museum
Film maker Robert Martin takes you back 115 years ago to 31 May 1911, when the RMS Titanic was launched from its shipyard in Belfast, Ireland.
Its collision with an iceberg the following year would make it one of the most famous maritime tragedies in history.
At this immersive lecture led by Titanic film maker Robert Martin:
Hear firsthand accounts gathered from Robert’s interviews with shipwreck survivors and their relatives, including Edith Haisman, who boarded Titanic at just 15 years old.
View artefacts displayed across three trestle tables, including items from the Titanic sister ship, the RMS Olympic.
Experience the film’s theme music performed live on a guitar crafted from timber belonging to RMS Olympic.
Free -bookings essential. All ages.
About the presenter
Robert Martin presents with remarkable passion and depth of knowledge, developed through his travels and interviews for his documentary Titanic: 100 Years Then and Now. Over the years, he has spoken with numerous individuals connected to the 1912 tragedy—including the great granddaughter of a Titanic crew member and the last living survivor.
Redcliffe Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Wildlife Unleashed workshop
We’re bringing the zoo to you at Redcliffe Museum!
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of native and exotic animals from Wildlife Unleashed!
Hold a baby saltwater crocodile, look into the eyes of a bird of prey and watch an expert wrangle some of our world’s most venomous snakes. From rare cockatoos to playful possums, learn about the rich biodiversity of our planet and conservation through intimate encounters.
Explore our latest exhibition The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards while you are at the museum.
Free - no bookings required. All ages.
Redcliffe Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Law Week 2026: We, The Jury
Jury service: your civic duty and contribution to the delivery of justice
If you are an Australian citizen, over 18 years old and enrolled to vote, you may one day be summoned for jury service. In recognition of Law Week 2026, you’re invited you to learn more about this important civic duty and how it contributes to the delivery of justice.
We, the jury is a free exhibition brought to you by Supreme Court Library Queensland. It is open weekdays, 8.30am to 4.30pm, in Sir Harry Gibbs Legal Heritage Centre, Ground floor, Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law.
Tours are available for schools and community groups (minimum 5 people, up to 30). The exhibition is supported by a suite of learning resources and new worksheets for students.
Can’t visit in person? Check out the virtual tour and explore the exhibition online.
We, the jury includes accessible resources for people who are blind or have low vision.
Visit sclqld.org.au/we-the-jury for more information.
Harvesting stories - artefact exploration workshop
Step into creativity and storytelling with artist and fifth generation farmer Kylie Harries as part of Redcliffe Museum’s Harvest exhibition.
In this hands-on workshop, Kylie invites visitors of all ages to explore the region’s agricultural history through slow looking, drawing and visual storytelling.
Participants will create artworks inspired by historical farming objects, capturing memories and observations along the way.
Whether you’re an artist, writer, or simply curious, this two-hour session offers a unique chance to connect, discover, and create.
Free - bookings essential. All ages. Materials provided.
About the artist
Kylie Harries is a multidisciplinary artist and educator whose work is shaped by the natural world on her Moreton Bay farm. Guided by seasonal changes, waterways, and local flora and fauna, she uses environmentally conscious, low waste art practices to tell rich, nature inspired stories.
Redcliffe Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Special dances for the Australian Heritage Festival 2
Historic Milestones: the changing nature of dance
Step into the rich tapestry of Australian history through the power of dance. Join us for a captivating workshop that traces the evolution of dance from Brisbane’s early penal settlement through to the early 1900s.
Discover how dance has been a vibrant expression of societal shifts—shaped by fashion, philosophical movements, and cultural influences brought by migration. Explore the connection between changing lives and changing rhythms.
All dances taught on the night. No partner or experience required. Costumes admired but not required.
When: Friday, 8 May at 7:30pm
Where: Farmers Hall, 30 Main Street, Samford Village, Qld
Cost: $4.00 (thanks to Moreton Bay Council's Healthy & Active Programme.
More information and booking:
A Night at the Museum: Dinosaur Edition | Queensland Museum Kurilpa
Do you dig dinosaurs? Get ready for a total dinosaur takeover! A Night at the Museum is back and Queensland Museum Kurilpa is celebrating everyone’s favourite prehistoric superstars.
Roam museum-wide after dark. Tickets includes entry to all temporary and permanent exhibitions as well as dinosaur themed activities, science shows and family-friendly night time fun.
This special dinosaur edition of A Night at the Museum is part of the inaugural Queensland Dinosaur Week.
Brisbane Comedy Festival Showcase
Get ready for a night that’ll leave your cheeks aching and sides sore! The Brisbane Comedy Festival Showcase is bringing a stacked lineup of comedy heavyweights and rising stars, all primed to deliver punchlines that pack a punch.
Join us at The Tivoli for a night where laughter might just be the hottest accessory—you’ll be wiping away tears, and we’re not sorry about it!
Seats are disappearing faster than your dignity after a dodgy joke, so snap yours up now before the laughs are sold out.
Please note this performance will be Auslan interpreted.
Contains: Adult Themes, Coarse Language, Sexual References
The Planting at Woodford Folk Festival
The Planting 2026
The Planting, a much-loved weekend for cultivating connection and caring for the land at Woodfordia.
Set for the long weekend, Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd of May, this gathering combines hands on working bees, delicious food and drinks, informative talks and an evening programme of inspiring artists and musicians.
Our talks will be from experts in citizen science, regeneration and community lead projects and will include practical skills you can take back home to your own communities and gardens.
Special dances for the Australian Heritage Festival
The 2026 Australian Heritage Festival theme, Change, invites communities across the country to reflect on how history has shaped us, and how we, in turn, continue to shape history. We have created two events to explore this theme.
Change Your Partners!
Dancing in the 19th century was all about changing partners! Social interaction was at the heart of dancing. In the early 1800s it was considered improper to dance with the same partner more than once in an evening! As dance styles changed, the roles of partners changed too.
Join us for an immersive experience as we dance through one hundred years of Brisbane’s dance history. We will teach the dances and no experience is necessary.
When: Friday, 24 April at 7:30pm
Where: Hills District Community Centre, 291 Dawson Parade, Arana Hills, Qld
Cost: $4.00 (thanks to Moreton Bay Council's Healthy & Active Programme)
HOTMESS x Make a Scene: surreal life drawing
A playful, inclusive art activation celebrating fashion and self-expression through immersive creative drawing. Step into a world where fashion breaks the rules and self-expression takes centre stage!
Unleash your inner artist and let your creativity run riot at HOTMESS x Make A Scene. Inspired by Queensland Museum’s fabulous Make A Scene: Fashioning Queer Identity and Club Culture in the 90s exhibition, this outrageous, hands-on art experience is an unmissable invitation to strut your stuff on paper. Created by multidisciplinary artists Sophie May and Gabrielle Miller, HOTMESS is part immersive theatre, part life drawing, and part artistic liberation.
All materials are provided and enjoy a free drink on arrival.
Early session recommended for 18+. Late session strictly 18+.
Seasoned artists and first-time sketchers welcome!
Heritage talks: Queensland cemeteries
Join us for our first Heritage Talk of 2026 where we will hear from a panel of experts and passionate friends of Queensland’s many storied and historical cemeteries.
Cemeteries exist not only for the dead but also as a space for the living. Across Queensland, they are now valued not only as a resting and remembering place, but also as places of historical significance and civic engagement that continue to connect communities in meaningful ways.
This event runs in conjunction with Dearly Departed: death in life, State Library's exhibition that encourages reflection on mortality through history, art and personal stories. Audiences are welcome to visit the exhibition before or after the event to engage more deeply with its themes and artworks.
About Heritage talks:
Our Heritage Talks connect audiences to our extraordinary collections by inviting speakers to share their expertise and perspectives on topics relating to Queensland history.
Autumn Craft Market at The Embroiderers' Guild, Queensland
Handcrafted gifts, vintage linens and second hand embroidery supplies
The first Embroiderers’ Guild was formed in the United Kingdom in 1906 by sixteen former students of the Royal School of Needlework. The Guild was formed to build an awareness of stitch and textile art.
The Embroiderers’ Guild in Australia
In Australia, rather than having a single Guild nationwide, each state created its own independent Embroiderers’ Guild.
The first Australian Guild formed in New South Wales in 1957 and was initially formed as a branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild of London but very soon became an independent entity.
The Embroiderers’ Guild, Queensland
In 1964, Queensland members of The Embroiderers’ Guild of New South Wales began to meet monthly at members’ private residences within the Brisbane area. Towards the end of 1967, this group numbered around thirty and enquiries were made to the parent Guild in London regarding the procedures for association.
In May 1968, The Embroiderers’ Guild, Queensland Inc (EGQ) formed with Mabel McAlister OAM elected as EGQ’s first President. By the end of 1968, membership had risen to just under one hundred members.
info@embroiderersguildqld.org.au
Sensory Friendly Sessions: Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends exhibition
We’re turning the sound down and reducing visitor numbers in the Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends exhibition to create a calmer, more relaxed museum experience.
These quieter hours are designed to welcome guests on the autism spectrum, and anyone who would benefit from a less busy, lower-sensory environment.
TWO SESSIONS
18 April 8.15 - 10.00am
1 August 8.15am - 10.00am
Abbey After Dark: Medieval Dress Accessories
Need some inspiration for your costume to the highly-anticipated Abbey Medieval Festival?
Get an up-close look at the workmanship & reproduction of upper class items, with an EXCLUSIVE white glove experience!
Your evening begins with live entertainment and a delicious antipasto selection, setting the perfect atmosphere for a night of storytelling and exploration. After your grazing experience, take a twilight wander through the Museum’s galleries, where centuries of history come alive in the glow of the evening.
Medieval clothing was nothing without its finishing touches! Take a journey with Author, Independent Researcher and History Enthusiast Rosalie Gilbert into the world of medieval dress accessories and discover behind the scenes information on how these amazing items were crafted! Learn about the techniques used in the Middle Ages by highly skilled craftsmen and reproduced by today’s artisans.
A rare “white glove experience” will allow you to carefully handle some original artifacts from The Gilbert Collection to examine the workmanship of the medieval world. High end reproductions will also be on display.
Ticketing Inclusions:
- 40 min talk
- Evening through the museum with a special first-look at artefacts from the Reserve Collection.
- Exclusive white glove experience
- Gift bag
- Cheese and Wine evening
Recommended ages 16+
Croc! Guided Tour for Families
Take a guided tour of Queensland Museum Kurilpa's crocodile exhibition these school holidays. Led by a Croc Guide, this engaging experience takes you back 130 million years to uncover jaw-dropping insights into ancient SuperCrocs, and crocodiles found around the world today.
Along the way, you’ll learn extra croc facts, stories and special insights into how these remarkable creatures have evolved over time. Designed for families, these tours are suitable for all ages looking for a school holiday adventure.
Only two tours available these holidays. Tour tickets include entry to Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends. Ticketholders are welcome to stay inside the exhibition after the tour ends.
Croc! is presented by Queensland Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Event Web
Who's Hatching on Bribie Island?
credit- Darren Jew Photography
Join us for a fun interactive learning adventure at the Bribie Island Seaside Museum as we explore the remarkable world of Bribie Island’s marine turtles!
This free, facilitated school holiday program invites children aged five years and over and their parents or carers, to discover the fascinating lifecycle and biology of these endangered marine giants.
Together, we’ll uncover amazing facts about how loggerheads navigate the ocean, nest and survive in our local waters. They can swim thousands of kilometres all the way to South America! Families will also learn simple, everyday actions that help protect nesting turtles and reduce pollution in their fragile coastal habitats.
During your visit, kids can get creative with a hands-on craft activity. Celebrate these incredible creatures with us and help inspire the next generation of turtle protectors!
This is a FREE event suitable for ages 5 and over. Bookings are essential (multiple dates available).
Date Start: 11 April 2026 ; 15 April 2026
Time Start: 2:00 PM
Date End: 11 April 2026
Time End: 3:00 PM