Give a little, change a lot - Volunteers working in GLAM

Queensland's documented history and cultural heritage is dispersed throughout the state.

Many communities support local history groups, cultural organisations and societies whose volunteer members advocate knowledge of their regions and are helping to preserve a broader understanding of Queensland history and our links to the past.

Each year the nation celebrates volunteers and reflects on their contribution, their commitment and willingness to support projects and giving of their time freely. State Library of Queensland acknowledges volunteer achievements and thanks them for their contribution to the preservation of local stories and helping to enrich the lives of Queenslanders.

Celebrating Community Projects

Allora and District Historical Society – for the recent publication Keeping their memory alive: Allora honours its WWI Soldiers

Mulgrave Settlers Museum – A step back in time; daily posts and photo images documenting the history of the Gordonvale and Mulgrave community shared on Facebook; and a call out encouraging new volunteers to join the Museum family.

Wynnum Manly Historical Society – Bayside Stories - a collection of 13 unique oral stories recording the memories of residents from the bayside communities of Wynnum, Manly and Lota. This project was finalised in 2016, receiving a grant to develop and share the recordings with wider audiences.

Annerley – Stephens History Group – for its Frank Corley Photographic Project

The Corley Volunteers Group in June 2016 had located over 3000 of the houses in Fairfield, Annerley, Yeronga, Yeerongpilly, Tennyson and Moorooka. Regular events are held in each suburb to promote the project and to engage the community in collecting the local history that arises from viewing the photos. Source: Frank Corley Project.

Miles Historical Village & Museum – Volunteer members contributed to the Miles Back to the Bush Festival hosted in 2018.

Australian Sugar Heritage Centre and Museum – March of the Cane Beetles (WWI Recruitment) – A collection of images added to the Q ANZAC 100 portal as part of the Q ANZAC 100: Memories for a New Generation project.

Blog articles

– Medical legacy in Far North Queensland - active member Pauline O’Keeffe does research for the Cairns Historical Society.

-  Maria Creek soldier settlement; El Arish salutes the Generals  - Marie Carman representing the El Arish Sports and Recreational Association Inc. writes two articles about the establishment of El Arish in North Queensland after World War One. Both have generated wider community engagement, with several families reading this information for the first time.

Volunteers represent heritage groups and the GLAM sector in communities all over Queensland.
Three cheers for their heritage initiatives and commitment!
A big “hats off” to every volunteer and their collective achievements!

Anne Scheu - Engagement Officer, State Library of Queensland