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Queensland Memory Awards

Meet the 2025 fellows

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

Inaugural John Oxley Library Award Alumni Address

Rediscovering Memory: A Story of Truth, Family, and the Power of Writing — Join Matthew Condon OAM, for a heartfelt talk on how memory and storytelling shape identities and legacies. Through personal anecdotes, he reveals the power of uncovering hidden truths and the impact of sharing our stories.
Watch Matthew Condon's speech
Inaugural John Oxley Library Award Alumni Address given by Matthew Condon OAM at the 2025 Queensland Memory Awards.

About the fellowships and awards

The Queensland Memory Awards recognise contributions to the documentation, preservation, and celebration of Queensland’s memory – past and present – through fellowships and awards.    

Fellowships support researchers and creatives of all kinds to interpret the significant collections of the John Oxley Library. Through deep engagement and interaction with the collections, these interpretations provide new insights into the collection and contribute new knowledge about Queensland’s history.  

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

Discover the latest research findings and insights from State Library's fellows on our John Oxley Library Blog or listen to past Research Reveals talks.

Purchase publications written by our research fellows from the Library Shop.

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.

Fellowships and residencies

Story Bridge in the fourth stage of construction Brisbane 1938
John Oxley Library Fellowship
$25,000 awarded to help discover Queensland’s rich history using our collections.
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Young man in costume holding small tree branches and leaves at the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival, 2009.
Monica Clare Research Fellowship
$20,000 awarded to create new knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
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Smiling faces of two children and a person with rainbow clothing and flag.
Rainbow Research Fellowship
$20,000 awarded to create new knowledge about Queensland's s LGBTIQA+ histories.
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A. Mullers Shoe and Slipper Factory, South Brisbane, Queensland, ca. 1896.
Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame Fellowship
$15,000 awarded to delve into Queensland’s business and economic history.
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Digital Collections Catalyst map interface
Digital collections catalyst
$15,000 awarded to bring technology and cultural heritage together using our collections.
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Black and white photograph of a young Christina Boughen.
Christina Boughen OAM Fellowship
$10,000 awarded to research the legacy and career of the influential Queensland musician. Note no fellowship is being offered in 2025.
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Biennial and new fellowships

Letty Katts Fellowship
Biannual fellowship - $5,000 awarded to create new knowledge about Queensland's music history.
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Hunstanton, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane.
Queensland Heritage Register Fellowship
New fellowship - $20,000 awarded to create new knowledge about places on the Queensland Heritage Register.
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Men, women and children on the hill beside the grandstand at the Royal National Show, Bowen Hills, 1935-1940.
Royal Queensland Show (EKKA) Fellowship
New fellowship - $20,000 awarded to create new knowledge about Queensland's largest event, the EKKA.
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Awards

Marianne Taylor, The House Detective, 2025 John Oxley Library Award recipient.
John Oxley Library Award
Recognises an individual who had made an outstanding contribution to the appreciation of Queensland history.
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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 excellence in the preservation, recording and sharing of Queensland history by community organisations.
Nominate now
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.
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Research Reveals

Watch talks by our fellows as they reveal new insights into Queensland’s history, drawn from State Library’s collections.
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MC for Research Reveals 2023 - Kat Feeney.

Read blogs by our fellows

Discover the latest research findings and insights from State Library's fellows on our John Oxley Library Blog
Learn more
A collection of early Radio Times magazines held at the John Oxley Library.

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.
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Woman accepting a framed award on stage.
Fellowships FAQs
Find out more information about applying for a research fellowship.
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Man accepting an award on stage.
Awards FAQs
Find out more information about nominating an individual or group for a John Oxley Library Award.
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Row of people seated in an auditorium smiling and clapping.
Judging
Find out information about the judging processes and how applications are assessed.
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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.
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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.
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Supporters

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

Queensland Library Foundation logoQueensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame logo