Hornibrook Bridge turns 90
Celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Hornibrook Highway, also known as the Hornibrook Bridge, at the Redcliffe Museum.
The bridge was constructed by Sir Emanuel (Manuel) Richard Hornibrook OBE to connect Brighton in Brisbane with Clontarf in what was then the Moreton Bay Region.
When officially opened on 4 October 1935, at 2.8 kilometres, the Hornibrook Bridge was the longest bridge in Australia. The bridge was important for the growth of the Redcliffe Peninsula at the time, but is now mostly demolished.
Free - bookings essential for catering purposes. All ages.
Guest speaker
Granddaughter of Manuel Hornibrook, Julie Hornibrook, is the guest speaker for the celebratory event. She will reminisce about the family's connection to the road and how building the bridge posed huge challenges. She will honour the courage of those involved and the inclusion of art deco designs of the pylons. Julie will also highlight how the builders and community were closely connected.
Redcliffe Museum is open Wednesday to Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
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.
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
In Conversation with Jane Harper
Celebrate the release of Jane Harper’s latest crime novel, 'Last One Out' – a gripping tale of a grieving family and a country town haunted by its past.
With more than 3.5 million books sold worldwide and screen adaptations including 'The Dry' and Netflix’s 'The Survivors', Harper is one of Australia’s most successful contemporary authors.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering her work for the first time, this is a rare chance to experience her masterful storytelling up close.
Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse
AUSLAN Performance: Tuesday 21 October, 7:30PM
More information: https://brisbanepowerhouse.org/events/in-conversation-with-jane-harper/
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
In Conversation with Dame Quentin Bryce
Celebrate the Queensland launch of 'Quentin Bryce: The Authorised Biography', a sweeping account of a life devoted to leadership, reform, and community.
Dame Quentin Bryce joins the Honourable Anna Bligh, with insights from author Juliet Rieden and a live performance by Katie Noonan.
For admirers of Australian politics, history, and literature, hear the stories behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse and Riverbend Books
From sketch to reality: The mechanics of Da Vinci's designs
Join Maria Teresa Rizzo from the Artisans of Florence to learn why Leonardo da Vinci is considered a genius.
One of the world’s most famous artists, scientists, inventors, and engineers, he is an inspiration to all. Find out how you can be more like him at these talks at Bribie Island and Redcliffe museums.
Learn the secrets of Leonardo’s creative process and discover how innovation comes from:
curiosity;
observation;
the courage to challenge conventional wisdom;
experimentation;
critical thinking; and
imagination.
By working across various fields, Leonardo envisioned machines that were far beyond the technological limitations of his time.
After the talk and Q&A, visit the Da Vinci Machines: Inventions brought to life exhibition to experience Leonardo’s most iconic inventions firsthand.
For information about the people behind the travelling exhibition, visit Artisans of Florence.
Free. Bookings required for Bribie Island Seaside Museum and Redcliffe Museum. All ages.
Organiser email: redcliffe.museum@moretonbay.qld.gov.au
Organiser Phone: 0734806700
'Little Gems' - Artists' Floor Talk & Demonstration
Be inspired by nature through the eyes of four talented artists, each showcasing their unique works in the Dunn Wing Gallery at the Redlands Coast Museum
Join us for a special floor talk and live demonstration, as these artisans share their creative journeys, artistic techniques, and how they've built their professional careers.
Come along on your own or with a group—and finish the morning with a delicious Devonshire Tea.
Dates: Wednesday 29 October & Wednesday 12 November. Bookings required.
Organisation Name: Redlands Coast Museum
Organisation Website: https://redlandscoastmuseum.org.au/
Organiser email:admin@redlandscoastmuseum.org.au
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
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
The Aboriginal man who stood up to Hitler!
Join Queensland Holocaust Museum for a powerful and illuminating presentation by Abe Schwarz, founder of the William Cooper Legacy Project, as he brings to life the extraordinary story of one of Australia’s most courageous and visionary civil rights leaders.
The presentation will focus on Uncle William Cooper’s historic protest following Kristallnacht, a bold and compassionate act led by the Australian Aborigines’ League (AAL) in 1938. In an era of global silence, Cooper’s stand against Nazi persecution of Jews remains a landmark moment of moral clarity, uniting the histories of Aboriginal and Jewish resilience in an act of shared humanity.
This is more than a history lesson; it is a tribute to a man whose voice still echoes in today’s struggles for human rights. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
$10 adults/ $8 concession/ $5 children/ $20 family (2 adults/ 2 children). Ticket includes museum entry.
Family History Open Day
Start your family history search!
The Genealogical Society of Queensland invites you to its annual open day at 25 Stackpole Street, Wishart on August 23, 10am-2pm.
Browse family history displays, hear from family historians and access extensive resources with the help of research assistants.
Food and drink including sausage sizzle.
Free entry.
Disability & Inclusion Action Plan – Community Consultation (Copy)
The Abbey Museum’s vision is to enrich people’s lives through the stories shared in our collections. We invite those with lived experience to help inform our Disability & Inclusion Action Plan by joining us for a relaxed afternoon at the Abbey Cafe to share your ideas and insight for a collaborative approach to shape the future of the Museum!
Friday 15th & 22nd August 2025, 1.30pm
What is a Disability & Inclusion Action Plan?
A Disability and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) is a guiding document that will help us to reflect and celebrate our strengths, identify areas for growth and set realistic actions we want to make for improved accessibility.
Community is important to us, so we will create this plan through public consultation, staff/volunteer training, workshops and stakeholder engagement.
When we’ve finished our Disability and Inclusion Action Plan, this document will be shared on our website.
Battle of Milne Bay Talk
The Battle of Milne Bay helped save Australia in World War 2.
The free talk will include:
– a one hour presentation on the Battle;
– a 15 minute video about the Battle, which includes archival film and veteran interviews; and
– a questions segment.
The talk’s presentation will be video recorded.
To attend, seat bookings are required – visit trybooking.com/events/landing/1440931
There are a limited number of seats available at the talk. If you book a seat(s) but later are not able to attend, please Cancel your seat booking(s).
Limited parking is available in the Precinct‘s car park. Otherwise you can park in the Kedron-Wavell club‘s car park at 21 Kittyhawk Drive
Disability & Inclusion Action Plan – Community Consultation
The Abbey Museum’s vision is to enrich people’s lives through the stories shared in our collections. We invite those with lived experience to help inform our Disability & Inclusion Action Plan by joining us for a relaxed afternoon at the Abbey Cafe to share your ideas and insight for a collaborative approach to shape the future of the Museum!
Friday 15th & 22nd August 2025, 1.30pm
What is a Disability & Inclusion Action Plan?
A Disability and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) is a guiding document that will help us to reflect and celebrate our strengths, identify areas for growth and set realistic actions we want to make for improved accessibility.
Community is important to us, so we will create this plan through public consultation, staff/volunteer training, workshops and stakeholder engagement.
When we’ve finished our Disability and Inclusion Action Plan, this document will be shared on our website.
QSA Talks: Archie Moore in conversation
We are proud to host Archie at QSA for QSA Talks: Archie Moore in conversation.
Archie Moore’s exhibition ‘kith and kin’ has received international acclaim, winning the Golden Lion at the 2024 Venice Biennale, the top prize for national participation.
Joining him are curator Ellie Buttrose and QSA’s Callan Murray. Together, they will discuss the development of this important work, including its deep connection to archival research, First Nations deaths in custody and intergenerational storytelling.
The exhibition opens at QAGOMA in September. This event offers a rare opportunity to hear about the creative process directly from those involved.