ORIGIN fever is in the air and Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten is urging Queenslanders to join the Q150 celebrations and connect with Origin history by visiting the Queensland State Archives exhibition on display at Brisbane Square Library.
Schwarten believes it was appropriate timing for the Q150 display to be in town.
“In our 150th year of independence, Queenslanders have more reason than ever to get behind our Maroons in their quest for victory against the Blues,” says Schwarten.
“If Queen Victoria had not signed the Letters Patent 150 years ago, there would be no State of Origin, as we would still be part of New South Wales.
“In 1859 Queensland was a penal colony for the worst offenders.
“Now 150 years later, and through the efforts of some truly remarkable individuals such as Governor Sir George Bowen, Sir Samuel Griffith and Anderson Dawson, Queensland has shed the shackles of the past and grown into a vibrant state in its own right.
“Queensland has a colourful and interesting history – and the Department of Public Works is doing its part to bring that history to the people of Queensland.”
Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace, says Brisbane Square Library would host four exhibitions - Top 150: Documenting Queensland, Queensland Firsts, Modern Milestones and Our Queensland – until June 26.
“Historians have delved into Queensland’s largest and most significant collection of heritage to uncover some rare treasures,” says Grace.
“Renowned Queensland historian Dr Murray Johnson has selected the State’s 150 most influential documents in order of significance for the Top 150: Documenting Queensland exhibition.
“Queensland Firsts is another fascinating exhibition which showcases 50 defining milestones for Queensland through rare archival records, chosen by historians Professor Kay Saunders, Dr Julie Ustinoff and Dr Shirleene Robinson.
“From the introduction of the first railway in 1865 to the establishment of Qantas at Winton in 1920, the firsts for Queensland have been numerous.”
Schwarten says rugby league fans would be particularly interested in the Modern Milestones exhibition, which featured the first State of Origin series.
“Modern Milestones focuses on the past 30 years of major events and achievements in Queensland’s more recent history,” he says.
“The first State of Origin match played in 1980 at Lang Park is the first listing in the exhibition, and a truly historic event for many Queenslanders.
“League legend Wally Lewis also features in Our Queensland, a Queensland Newspapers exhibition of iconic photos from The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail archives.”
More info at: www.archives.qld.gov.au.
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