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Snapshots of the research projects discussed at the 2025 Research Reveals Queensland history Symposium.
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Research Reveals 2025: Queensland history symposium

For the last year, 8 researchers have delved deep into the incredible treasures of the State Library’s collections, uncovering untold stories and surprising insights. Now, they’re ready to share their discoveries.

Join us for Research Reveals, a two-day event where the 2024 Queensland Memory Awards Fellows present their fascinating results. From unexpected revelations to fresh perspectives on Queensland’s history, this is your chance to explore the rich cultural evolution of our state in a whole new way.

This year’s lineup offers revelations on:

  • Queensland’s music scene in the 70s and 80s and the contributions of women, trans, and non-binary individuals to community radio.
  • The legacy of an iconic bootmaker who shaped the state’s economy.
  • The transformative influence of Chinese and Asian restaurants, driven by shifting migration policies.
  • The history of Ravenswood, where heritage meets Queensland’s largest gold mine.
  • First Nations stories, including the kinship and medicinal use of plants in Cape York Peninsula and the frontier wars in Kullilli Country, South-Western Queensland.

Don’t miss

  • New solo piano compositions inspired by Christina Boughen OAM, a celebrated pianist, educator, and examiner.
  • Don a pair of White Gloves and view treasures from the John Oxley Library on display (Book with your ticket, limited spaces.).
  • Curator’s Tours of My Story: the unbroken spirit of the Kalkadoons, State Library's latest exhibition (Book with your ticket, limited spaces.).
  • The launch of the Queensland Atlas of Religion website, an essential tool for exploring the state’s diverse religious heritage.

Who should attend 

This event is perfect for history enthusiasts, researchers, and anyone curious about Queensland’s past. 

Book now through Eventbrite. Research Reveals is a free event, but spaces are limited! Secure your spot to attend either in person or online, and be part of a journey through Queensland’s past that you won’t want to miss.

 

Full Program

Friday 14 March – Auditorium 1, level 2

6 pm  Opening from Vicki McDonald AM, State Librarian and CEO.
6.10 pm   Dive For Your Memory – Queensland music storiesDr John Willsteed, 2024 John Oxley Library Fellow.
6.35 pm  Radio rebels: highlighting the contributions of women, trans and non-binary people to the history of Queensland community radioDr Heather Anderson, 2024 Rainbow Research Fellow.
7 pm  Audience Q&A panel discussion.
7.30 pm  Event wraps up.

Saturday 15 March – Auditorium 1, level 2

10 am  Welcome to Country.
10.10 am  Opening from Gavin Bannerman, Director Queensland Memory, State Library of Queensland.
10.20 am T C Dixon & Sons: Makers of 'Shoes of Distinction'. Dr Robin Trotter, 2024 Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame Fellow
10.40am Min(d)ing the Dead.Evelyn Saunders, 2024 Digital collection catalyst
11 am Culinary Crossroads: history of Asian-Australian eateries and migration policies in QueenslandDr Aaron Teo and Dr Amy Eun-ji Amy Kim, 2024 John Oxley Library Honorary Fellows.
11.20 am Audience Q&A panel discussion.
11.40 am Launch of the Queensland Atlas of Religion website. A/Professor Geoff Ginn and A/Professor Adam Bowles, University of Queensland. 
12 noon - 2 pm

Lunch break (optional activities).

Enjoy lunch on the Queensland Terrace, a stunning venue featuring mirrored ceilings, marble floors, and a collection of vintage tea cups. Bring your own lunch or pre-purchase a lunch pack for $25 when completing your registration. Each pack includes your choice of sandwich, roll, or wrap, a sweet slice, and a drink. Orders for lunch packs close 6 March.

During the lunch break, attendees can also book into these additional activities. Be sure to make these bookings when completing your registration.

  • 4 x 20 min White Gloves Sessions with the fellows (White Gloves Room, Level 4).

  • 4 x 20 min Curator’s Tours of My Story: the unbroken spirit of the Kalkadoons exhibition (slq Gallery, Level 2).

  • Queensland Atlas of Religion demonstration, contributor talks, and discussion (Heritage Collections Learning Room, Level 4).

2 pm Welcome, Gavin Bannerman, Director Queensland Memory, State Library of Queensland.
2.03 pm Mipa Mipumani: The Colonisation of Kullilli Country in South-West Queensland. Dr Max Brierty, 2022 Monica Clare Research Fellow.
2.28 pm Sacred plants and cultural frameworks: Capturing first nations value systems in western Cape York. Sheridan Teitzel, 2024 Monica Clare Research Fellow.
2.53 pm Audience Q&A panel discussion.
3.20 pm Exploration, Celebration and Continuation: the legacy of Christina Boughen OAM. Performance by Dr Nicole Murphy, 2024 Christina Boughen OAM Fellow.
3.40 pm Audience Q&A panel discussion.
4 pm Event wraps up.

Read more about our fellows' research projects with their blogs on the John Oxley Library blog

Book now
  • When

    Fri 14 Mar · 6–7:30pm until Mar 15

  • Price

    Free

    Bookings required

  • Location

    Auditorium 1

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Date and time

Fri 14 Mar

8–9:30am

Sat 15 Mar

12–6am

Contact the organiser

Queensland Memory

Contact phone:

07 3840 7887

Contact email:

qldmemory@slq.qld.gov.au