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…

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…

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…

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…