Vale Dr Rodney Fisher 1942-2017

It is with deep sadness that the Professional Historians Association (Qld) – and Queensland’s broader history community – farewells Dr Rodney Fisher, who passed away in Brazil on 28 June 2017 following a short illness. Fisher is best known for his work in recording the architectural heritage and historic character of Brisbane. After moving to Queensland in 1974, Fisher initially…

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Vale Dr Lorna McDonald OAM 1916-2017

The history community is saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Lorna McDonald OAM. Born in Portland, Victoria in 1916, McDonald moved to Rockhampton with her family in 1963. She studied externally via the University of Queensland, and in 1975 attained a Masters Degree for her thesis on land settlement in the Port Curtis and Leichhardt districts of Queensland.…

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2017 John Douglas Kerr Medal of Distinction: Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC

At the Queensland Day Dinner on 6 June 2017, The Professional Historians Association of Queensland and the Royal Historical Society of Queensland presented the 2017 John Douglas Kerr Medal of Distinction to  Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC, to acknowledge his excellence in historiography, historical research and writing. Through his research, publications and involvement with the historical community, Emeritus Professor Blainey has provided new insights into Australian history.…

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New Text: Jewish life in Queensland: Celebrating 150 years since 1865

From a small collection of settler families in 1865, the Queensland Jewish community has grown over the past 150 years to more than 8000 people, stretching from Far North Queensland down to the New South Wales border and out to the remotest outback communities. Yet the history of Queensland’s Jewish community has until now been largely silent in the discourse…

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Member’s Work: Wheller Gardens 80th anniversary permanent exhibition

Opened in 1936 by then-Governor Sir Lesley Orme Wilson, the Chermside Garden Settlement was a visionary project. Conceived by the Rev. Harold Manuel Wheller and largely funded by philanthropist George Marchant (of soft drink fame), the first 20 cottages and two central buildings offered home-like accommodation for the elderly. This was a 'dream' project for any historian. Initially my contract…

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Member’s Work: ANZAC Cottages in Queensland

As part of Brisbane City Council's support of the National Trust Heritage Festival, Council historians gave free talks in Council's central library. Fittingly, just before Anzac Day, PHA (Qld) member, Dr Carmel Black delivered a presentation on Anzac Cottages.   Anzac Cottages are the product of a voluntary scheme begun 100 years ago in 1917 to provide houses for the…

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Helping To Win a U.S. History Prize

Often members are curious about what came of small projects tendered through the PHA Employment Bulletin. In this short piece Jack Ford reports on one job he successfully completed for the client, albeit an unusual client.   On 27 March 2017, the PHA (Qld branch) forwarded a request for assistance from a New Orleans high school student, Zandra Zemmels. She…

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Griffith University’s Harry Gentle Resource Centre now open

PHA (Qld) was well represented at the launch of Griffith University’s Harry Gentle Resource Centre attended by many industry delegates on Friday 21 April. The Centre, focusing on Queensland history prior to 1859 arises from the bequest of its sole benefactor Harry Gentle, who obtained at BA from Griffith in 1984. The university’s Chancellor Henry Smerdon AM unveiled a plaque…

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Lebanese History Showcased around Brisbane

Throughout April, PHA (Qld) member Dr Anne Monsour presented a number of engaging programs across Brisbane highlighting several facets of Queensland’s Lebanese heritage. On April 9, Miegunyah House Museum hosted Dr Monsour’s talk, “Not two steps behind but side by side’, which explored the experience of Lebanese and Syrian women who migrated to Australia, and the transformative roles that they played both…

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PHA (Qld) President in popular demand!

Dr Jonathan Richards, the PHA (Qld) President, and a Visiting Fellow at the Harry Gentle Resource Centre, Griffith University, is in big demand this month. His talk at the Queensland State Archive on the 19 May, entitled “A dynamic map of Native Police movements”, is fully booked out. Dr Richards will discuss his digital mapping project based on pre-separation records…

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