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Queensland Memory Awards

Queensland Memory Awards

Night view of Queen Street Brisbane, 1959

How to apply

Applications for the 2026 Queensland Memory Awards are now open.

Become a fellow or recognise an individual or organisation preserving Queensland’s history. Applications close midnight Friday 1 August 2025.

About the Queensland Memory Awards

The Queensland Memory Awards support the documentation, preservation and sharing of Queensland’s memory—past and present—through fellowships and awards.

Fellowships support researchers and creatives to explore, interpret and add to the significant collections of the John Oxley Library. Through deep engagement with the collections, their work provides new insights and contributes valuable knowledge about Queensland’s history.

The John Oxley Library Awards recognise individuals and organisations for outstanding contributions to documenting, preserving and enhancing understanding of Queensland’s cultural heritage. Nominations are accepted year-round.

For more information, please email fellowships@slq.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3840 7887.

The Queensland Memory Awards are supported by sponsors and philanthropic donations through the Queensland Library Foundation.

A message from State Librarian and CEO, Vicki McDonald AM FALIA.

Support the Rainbow Research Fellowship

Join us in preserving and celebrating Queensland's vibrant LGBTIQ+ history. Your contribution will help uncover, preserve, and honour these vital stories, ensuring they are celebrated for generations to come. We can't offer this Fellowship without your support!

Smiling faces of two children and a person with rainbow clothing and flag.

Fellowships

Click on the tiles below to learn more about the fellowships on offer.

Michael Waldron sitting next to his skateboard, Hynes Street, Fortitude Valley, 1992-1993

John Oxley Library Fellowship

$25,000 to create new knowledge about Queensland’s history.

Pound, C. J. Young boy standing on the back of a horse, Bulloo River, Queensland, 1897.

Monica Clare Research Fellowship

$20,000 to create new knowledge about Queensland's First Nations history and culture.

Sarah Jenyns

Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame Fellowship

$15,000 to create new knowledge about Queensland’s business and economic history.

Young sideshow dancers at the Royal National Show, Brisbane, 1948.

Royal Queensland Show (EKKA) Fellowship

$20,000 to create new knowledge about Queensland's favourite event, the EKKA.

Gay & lesbian Brisbane map show your strength / design & artwork by Hardy Graphics.

Rainbow Research Fellowship

$20,000 to create new knowledge about Queensland's LGBTIQA+ histories. Not offered in 2026.

Hunstanton, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane.

Queensland Heritage Register Fellowship

$20,000 to create new knowledge about places on the Queensland Heritage Register. Not offered in 2026.

Interior view of a sitting room in Toorak House, Brisbane, ca. 1895

Digital collections catalyst

$15,000 to use AI, tech and digital tools to reimagine our collections. Not offered in 2026.

Wilma Reading and the Chet Clark Trio at the Primitif Coffee Lounge.

Letty Katts Fellowship

Biannual - $5,000 to create new knowledge about Queensland's music history. Not offered in 2026.

Awards

Marianne Taylor, The House Detective, 2025 John Oxley Library Award recipient.

John Oxley Library Award

Recognises an individual for outstanding contribution to preserving, documenting, or sharing Queensland’s history.

Ann Kruger and Tiffany Turnour from the Cairns & District Chinese Association, recipients of the 2025 John Oxley Library Community History Award.

John Oxley Library Community History Award

Recognises an organisation for outstanding contribution to preserving, documenting, or sharing Queensland’s history.

2024 State Library Medal winner Grant Collins with Library Board of Queensland Chair, Debbie Best.

State Library of Queensland Medal

Recognises the valuable contribution and dedication of former staff and their work at the Library.

Meet the 2025 fellows

Meet the 2025 Queensland Memory Award recipients and explore their groundbreaking research projects.

2025 Queensland Memory Awards Fellows.

Read blogs by our fellows

Discover the latest research from our fellows on the John Oxley Library Blog.

A collection of early Radio Times magazines held at the John Oxley Library.

Research Reveals

Watch talks by our fellows at Research Reveals, an annual event showcasing their discoveries on Queensland's history.

Dr John Willsteed, 2024 John Oxley Library Fellow at Research Reveals 2025.

More information

Dr Leah Cotterell's Sunday Nights at the Primitif. Research Reveals 2024.

Previous fellows and their research projects

Get inspired! Learn about previous fellows and their research projects.

Woman accepting a framed award on stage.

Fellowships FAQs

Read frequently asked questions about our fellowship program.

Man accepting an award on stage.

Read frequently asked questions about our John Oxley Library Awards.

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Find out information about the judging processes and how applications are assessed.

Man in a suit sitting and gesturing with hands.

Tips for applying for a fellowship or residency

Gain insights from past Queensland Memory fellows as they share their invaluable experiences.

Woman sitting at home using a laptop.

Where your fellowship can take you

Find out how researchers and creatives contribute new knowledge about Queensland’s history.

Supporters

The Queensland Memory Awards are supported by philanthropic gifts through the Queensland Library Foundation.