Queensland State Archives

🌟 Celebrating Woorabinda’s Legacy 🌟

The Woorabinda Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC) is leading an inspiring project to honour 100 years of Woorabinda in 2027. They’ve invited QSA to support their work as they gather records, stories, and materials for a timeline exhibition and the reenactment of the historic trek from Taroom to Woorabinda.

This project is a powerful example of community-led storytelling, driven by the IKC team’s dedication to preserving Woorabinda’s history for future generations.

If you have records, photos, or stories connected to Woorabinda, the IKC would love to hear from you!
📧 [email protected]

⏳ Time is running out to experience Judy Watson’s incredible ‘skeletons’ exhibition at Artspace Mackay ! 🖼️

Don’t miss this thought-provoking showcase of art and storytelling before it wraps up on Sunday, 21 June 2026.

📍 Where: Artspace Mackay, Civic Centre Precinct, Gordon Street, Mackay, QLD 4740
🗓️ When: Now until Sunday, 21 June 2026

Can’t make it to Mackay? Don’t worry! The exhibition will be heading to the Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery from 3 July to 4 September 2026.
Catch it while you can!

On Friday, we were proud to host the Archives for Justice: Responsibility, Rights and Future Possibilities panel discussion as part of International Archives Week 2026. 📜📸👏

The event brought together industry professionals, government leaders, and the public to explore the vital role archives play. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible panellists:

• Simon Froude, Director-General, National Archives of Australia
• Louise Howard, Queensland State Archivist
• Catherine Scott , General Counsel, Justice QLD
• Kate Connors, Office of the Victims' Commissioner, Queensland Government

We also extend our gratitude to our convenor, Stefan Armbruster, for expertly guiding the discussion, and to our MC, Cara Downes, for their warm and engaging hosting.

A special thank you to the National Archives of Australia for co-hosting this event with us. Your collaboration and support were instrumental in making this event a success. 🤝

To everyone who attended, thank you for your participation and thoughtful contributions.

Couldn’t make it? Don’t worry! The full recording of the panel discussion will be available soon on QSA’s YouTube channel. Stay tuned for updates! 📽️🤩

📜🌏 Happy International Archives Day!

Today, we celebrate the vital role archives play in preserving the stories, records, and history that shape who we are. As the custodian of Queensland’s documentary heritage, QSA safeguards millions of records that capture the decisions, events, and lives that have defined our state.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible archivists, whose dedication ensures that these invaluable records are preserved, protected, and made accessible for generations to come. Your work is the backbone of Queensland’s history, and we are so grateful for all that you do. 🙌

🎉 Don’t forget to join us on 12 June for a special event at QSA! Dive into the fascinating world of archival treasures and discover how these records shape our understanding of the past.

📅 When: Friday, 12 June 2026
⏰ Time: 10.30 AM – 12.00 PM
📍 Where: Queensland State Archives, Runcorn
🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/4fEHdYm

⌛It’s your last chance to register for our hands-on Letterpress Printing Workshop delivered by MoveableTypeStudio!

As part of our Printed & Bound exhibition, discover the fascinating world of Queensland’s historic livestock branding system. In this free workshop you’ll:
🖋️ Learn about the history and visual language of livestock brands.
🖨️ Design and print your own unique brand mark using traditional letterpress techniques.
📖 Contribute to a collaboratively printed and bound “brand register” that ties together law, land, livestock, and typography.

📆Saturday 13 June 2026
⏰9am – 12pm, or 1 – 4pm
📍Queensland State Archives, Runcorn
🔗Register here:

QSA Workshop: Letterpress Printing This free hands-on workshop delves into Queensland’s historic livestock branding system and its fascinating connection to the Archives’ collection.

🎉🌴 Happy Queensland Day! 🌞🐨

Today, we celebrate everything that makes our Sunshine State so special - our stunning landscapes, rich history, and, of course, the amazing people who call Queensland home. But do you know the story behind Queensland Day?

On 6 June 1859, Queensland officially separated from New South Wales and became its own colony. It’s a day that marks our independence and identity!

Want to dive deeper into the history? Check out this fascinating blog about The Historical Significance of Queensland Day: https://bit.ly/4dJsFpn

Grab a lamington, soak up the sunshine, and celebrate Queensland pride today! 🎂🌊

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this post contains the name of a deceased person.

Today on we honour Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his extraordinary legacy.

His 1992 victory in overturning "terra nullius" laid the foundation for future native title claims.

This led to the creation of the Native Title Act 1993, establishing a legal framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to reclaim their traditional lands.

The case took over 10 years to be heard, but tragically, Eddie Mabo passed away before the High Court’s decision. His courage and determination continue to inspire the ongoing journey towards justice and reconciliation.

Learn more about how Mabo transformed land law in Australia: https://bit.ly/3GRqI8h

📢 Uncover the Hidden Stories of St Helena Island!

Join us for our next as researcher and Harry Gentle Visiting Research Fellow, Belinda Daly, shares the untold history of the women and children who lived on St Helena Island alongside the warders of the Penal Establishment (1867–1932).

Discover how 47 families overcame isolation and societal barriers to create a thriving community on this remote island.

📆Thursday 25 June 2026
⏰ 11.00am–12.30pm
📍 Queensland State Archives, Runcorn
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/3R4GG84

Step into Queensland’s history with our next in this free hands-on Letterpress Printing Workshop, as part of our Printed & Bound exhibition! 🎨✨

Discover the fascinating world of Queensland’s historic livestock branding system. Guided by the talented team from Moveable Type Studio, you’ll:
🖋️ Learn about the history and visual language of livestock brands.
🖨️ Design and print your own unique brand mark using traditional letterpress techniques.
📖 Contribute to a collaboratively printed and bound “brand register” that ties together law, land, livestock, and typography.

📆Saturday 13 June 2026
⏰9am – 12pm, or 1 – 4pm
📍 Queensland State Archives, Runcorn
🔗Register here: https://bit.ly/4wKhl3J