Heritage Hands Festival: Sandgate

Discover the art of floral arranging with Renae from Wallflower at Heritage Hands Festival: Sandgate.

In this relaxed, hands-on workshop, explore colour, texture and composition as you create your own beautiful floral arrangement using fresh seasonal flowers and foliage.

Learn practical floristry techniques, experiment with natural materials and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something by hand.

Suitable for beginners, with all materials provided.

Part of Heritage Hands Festival: Sandgate, celebrating traditional craftsmanship, specialist skills and the people keeping them alive.

Places are limited. Bookings essential.

Heritage Hands Festival: Sandgate

Discover the traditional art of basketry with Monique Ross at Heritage Hands Festival: Sandgate.

In this relaxed, hands-on workshop, learn the fundamentals of raffia basketry and coiling, exploring the techniques used to transform natural fibres into beautiful, functional objects.

Working with raffia and prepared starting pieces, Monique will guide you through the coiling process as you develop your own handmade creation.

Perfect for beginners, this workshop offers an opportunity to slow down, connect with natural materials and experience the satisfaction of making something by hand.

All materials are included. No previous experience necessary.

Part of the inaugural Heritage Hands Festival: Sandgate, celebrating traditional craftsmanship, specialist trades and the people keeping handmade skills alive.

Places are limited. Bookings essential.

Riding the First Wave highlights the experiences of these early migrants and celebrates the significant contributions they made to Queensland's development and identity. Through records preserved in the State Archives collection and creative contemporary interpretations, visitors can discover the people, stories and connections that continue to resonate across generations.

Join us for the exhibition opening and be among the first to experience this unique exploration of Queensland's multicultural heritage.

Between 1847 and 1853, more than 300 Chinese labourers travelled from Amoy (present-day Xiamen) to Moreton Bay. Riding the First Wave explores their journeys, experiences and enduring legacy in Queensland.

Discover the story

The arrival of Chinese labourers in Moreton Bay marked the beginning of a lasting connection between Queensland and China. Their contributions helped shape communities, industries and cultural life across the colony, leaving a legacy that continues today.

While many of their experiences have remained largely untold, archival records and family histories reveal stories of resilience, adaptation and belonging.

Riding the First Wave brings these stories together in the form of an exhibition and events, offering new perspectives on Queensland's diverse history and the people who helped shape it.

The exhibition runs from 6 November 2026 to 9 October 2027 at Queensland State Archives in Runcorn.

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.

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

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.

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.

"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…

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).

Join artists and Elders from the Hope Vale Arts and Culture Centre for a hands-on creative workshop responding to the works presented in Gulbuuygu and the extraordinary painted depictions of Guugu Yimithirr Country and its surrounds.
Participants are invited to paint their own depiction of home—or a place of special significance—on a tote bag. Using fabric markers and paint, we will come gulbuuygu (together) to create unique artworks that carry personal stories and connections to place.

Date Start: 20 August 2026

Time Start: 10:00 AM

Date End: 20 August 2026

Step back into the 1940s right where history happened.
For one unforgettable day, Wolston Farmhouse becomes Brisbane’s wartime home front. The big band sound drifts across the paddocks, swing dancers take the floor, vintage frocks and victory rolls are everywhere you look and one of Brisbane’s oldest surviving farmhouses comes alive with the stories, style and community spirit of the 1940s. This is no ordinary festival setting. During the Second World War, the farmland surrounding Wolston was requisitioned for military use, and thousands of American troops were stationed in the area. The Home Front Festival brings that remarkable chapter back to life, right where it happened.

On the day

Live 1940s music and swing dancing, join in or just tap along
Living history displays and costumed interpreters
Vintage fashion and historic vehicles
Heritage demonstrations and hands-on activities
Children’s entertainment and activities for the whole family
A commemorative Victory in the Pacific Day ceremony, marking 81 years since the end of the Second World War in the Pacific
Make a day of it
Pack a picnic rug and claim a patch of grass in the historic grounds, or leave lunch to us a food truck, ice cream and barista coffee will be on site all day. And if you’ve got a 1940s outfit hiding in the wardrobe? This is its moment. Period dress is warmly encouraged (but never required).

Presented by: National Trust of Australia (Queensland) in partnership with Camp Columbia Heritage Association

The Abbey Museum Friends invite you to their Presentation hosted by Professor John Moorhead, on Saturday, 15th August at the Abbey Hall.

Synopsis
‘Goths and Vandals’ – These Germanic groups, who settled in the territory of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth and sixth centuries, have long had a hold on the popular imagination; even today, a Gothic subculture flourishes and we speak of acts of vandalism. This presentation will consider the origins of these peoples, their impact in Italy, Spain, and Africa, and the fall of the states they established there, before discussing their long-term significance in the history of those regions.

Bio
John Moorhead is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Queensland. He has published on both the Goths (Theoderic in Italy) and Vandals (Victor of Vita History of the Vandal Persecution); most recently he has written on the history of the Eucharist. Among other things, he has walked the Camino to Santiago across France and Spain.

Includes a light afternoon tea.

Time: 2pm – 4pm

Location: The Abbey Hall (located behind the Abbey Museum), 31 The Abbey Place, Caboolture

Tickets: $20 Guest | $10 Friends Member
+ Booking Fee

For most people, their knowledge of Roman slave revolts, start and finish with the historical figure Spartacus. What most people don’t realise, was that his revolt was only one of three major Servile Wars during the Roman Republic.

Reconstructing Roman slavery is an incomplete jigsaw. Most slaves lived and died without a trace. Archaeological finds, epigraphic and demographic data, written primary sources, legal texts and Imperial law codes all provide information. By weaving this evidence together, we build a multi-dimensional picture of how slavery underpinned Roman society and the bloody histories of the three Servile Wars which are stories of savagery, betrayal, torture and crucifixions.

Your evening begins with live entertainment and a delicious charcuterie selection, setting the 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.

Ticketing Inclusions:
- 40 min talk
- Evening through the museum with exclusive viewing of Reserve Collection artefacts in a temporary display
- Gift bag
- Cheese and Wine evening

Pricing: $45pp + Booking Fee (recommended for ages 16yrs+)

join us on Sunday 9 August as we showcase the intimate and deeply human stories hidden between the pages of State Library's collections.

Libraries and archives are treasure troves for wartime stories waiting to be shared. This talk, presented by Specialist Librarian India Dixon, will explore collections new and collections rediscovered, and detangle from the page and between the lines the remarkable stories of love, grief, survival, and war contained within.

From prisoners-of-war to top-secret teenage cartographers, Queensland's records are full of unique and homegrown stories. Join India as she shares those stories, explains how they are interpreted within the collections, and why it is so important to preserve them for generations to come.

If you've ever wanted to take a deep-dive into some of our most poignant wartime collections, this talk is for you!

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.

Domestic and family violence is a national emergency with a long and troubling history. In this lecture,  Dr Andy Kaladelfos , Senior Lecturer in Criminology in the School of Law, Society and Criminology, University of New South Wales, and the Co-Convenor of the Gendered Violence Research Network., draws upon a longitudinal study to map the contours of interpersonal violence in Australian history and the criminal law’s responses. It examines how domestic and family violence was recognised and responded to across a 100-year period (1855–1954), how this compared to other forms of violence, and where historical lessons may reveal new pathways for prevention and response.    

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

Join us for a rare opportunity to step inside the National Trust Queensland’s new Trust Library and Research Centre, located at historic Wolston Farmhouse, with the morning session SOLD OUT, our 1:00pm-2:00pm session has tickets available.

Usually accessible by appointment only, this special Trust Talks event offers an exclusive white-glove encounter with the Trust’s heritage collections and archives. Presented by Heritage Officer Meg McKavanagh, guests will be introduced to the Research Centre and its vital role in preserving some of Queensland’s cultural heritage.

Participants will view a curated selection of six significant collection items and, under expert guidance, don archival gloves to carefully handle rare and delicate objects not usually on display.

Following the behind-the-scenes experience, guests are invited to relax with coffee, tea and cake, and enjoy time to wander through Wolston Farmhouse, taking in the atmosphere of this important historic property.

An intimate experience celebrating history, conservation and discovery.

Other dates are: 15 September and 17 November 2026

As we acknowledge the 40th anniversary of Sharron’s murder, journalist Kate Kyriacou will talk about the case of Sharron Phillips who went missing from the busy Ipswich motorway and why the case had such an impact on Queenslanders.

Attend a free talk on Australia’s involvement in World War I trench warfare, discussing tactics, technologies and the human experience.

Few things are more central to our popular memory of the Western Front in World War I than the trench. Trench warfare, with its mud and men going ‘over the top’, is frequently depicted in photography, cinema, games and literature about the war. Yet, the planning and engineering that shaped the battlefields is often simplified or omitted from such media. The trenches were muddy and rat-infested, but they were also a prepared and layered warren of crenelations, hard points, listening posts and bunkers. Likewise, battlefield advances involved highly detailed firing plans of creeping and box barrages, observation and strafing by aircraft, and grenadier teams.

This talk draws on archival material, published histories and personal stories to explore the practical realities of trench warfare on the Western Front in World War I. It will cover how the design of trenches developed over the war alongside methods for assaulting them. How soldiers were equipped and trained for trench warfare, and how they described their experiences. And it will shed light on why the Western Front was so deadly, despite tactical and mechanical innovations aimed at breaking the stalemate.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to storm a trench, this is the guide for you.

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.

In the wake of rapid development across Queensland in preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, there has never been a better moment to reflect on where we started, how far we have come, and what the future of heritage might look like.

This insightful panel brings together founding members of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and authors of the Burra Charter to trace the origins of heritage protection in Australia, explore the evolution and ongoing impact of the Charter, and consider future directions for the field. Hannah Lewi, co-author of the recently released book Adapt, will discuss the adaptive reuse of historic buildings in Australia, before the panel turns its attention to one of Brisbane's most cherished public buildings: State Library of Queensland.

The Queensland Cultural Centre (QCC), designed by Robin Gibson, is intrinsic to the urban fabric of Brisbane, forming the backdrop of the city for the last four decades. As the city heads toward the world stage for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we reflect on this iconic precinct and its role in shaping the city’s identity.

The Queensland Art Gallery opened first in 1982, followed by the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in 1985, Queensland Museum in 1986, and State Library of Queensland in 1988. The addition of the Playhouse Theatre completed Gibson’s original masterplan in 1998. In 2015, the four original buildings were state heritage-listed. The 2006 Millennium Library Project, celebrating 20 years in 2026, transformed and renewed the Library for a new century, and in 2026, QPAC entered a new chapter with the addition of the Glasshouse Theatre. Designed by Brisbane’s own Blight Rayner, in partnership with Snøhetta, its undulating façade brings a new vernacular to South Bank, and the broader cultural precinct.

Through four decades of alterations, renovations, and additions - all while showcasing local and worldwide talent - QCC has continued to evolve as one of Brisbane’s most significant public precincts. Its enduring legacy invites us to consider several questions: what defines a successful public building? How do we ensure modern icons remain protected amid rapid urban growth, and what does that process look like? And how should new additions respond to this significant heritage context?

Presented by State Library of Queensland with the Emerging Architects and Graduate Network (EmAGN) and Brisbane Open House.