70th anniversary of the United Nations

On October 24, the World will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the United Nations. Since its introduction the UN has sought to promote international co-operation in an attempt to ensure peace and security and the protection of human rights. To pay tribute this weekend some of Australia's most famous landmarks will be lit in blue lights. In Queensland, this will include Brisbane City Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Kurilpa Bridge and the old Queensland Treasury building.

Over the years Queenslanders have been involved with the United Nations in various roles.

Before he was Governor of Queensland, Justice Alan James Mansfield was appointed to the Australian Commission of Investigation into War Crimes and to the United Nations War Crimes Commission at London in 1945.

Justice Alan Mansfield, Brisbane 1945. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 43427

Former politician and President of the Queensland Council of Agriculture, Frank Bulcock  led the Australian delegation to five sessions of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in the 1950's.

Frank William Bulcock pictured working at his desk in November 1942. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 193202

In 1950, veteran soldier Robert Nimmo was appointed chief military observer of the U.N. Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan. In 1954, he was promoted to honorary lieutenant general and continued to lead the U.N.M.O.G.I.P until his death in 1966.

Major General Robert Harold Nimmo in 1949. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 195870

Newsletter of the United Nations Association of Australia (Queensland Division), SLQ collection

The UN anniversary is also an opportunity to highlight the United Nations Association of Australia, Queensland Division, which worked to connect the Queensland community, government and other stakeholders to the UN. State Library of Queensland holds an imperfect run of newsletters from the Queensland Division of the United Nations Associations from 1968 onwards, which provides an insight into their news, meetings, guest speakers and other activities at the time. Digital copies of the newsletter from March 2011 onwards can be perused via our One Search catalogue. Unfortunately our collection is spotty and we are missing several issues. Please contact us if you hold any back copies of this newsletter and would be interested in donating them to SLQ's collection.

Front cover of 'You and the United Nations', published in 1949 by the Department of External Affairs, Canberra (SLQ collection)

Also part of our collection is a 1949 pamphlet entitled 'You and the United Nations' which was produced by the Department of External Affairs. The pamphlet states it is a "factual and informative review of Australia's part and interests in the United Nations' and details the UN principles and structure for the novice.

Myles Sinnamon - Project Coordinator, State Library of Queensland