Lugger Bort: Research Reveals with Nerelle Nicol

Nerelle Nicol has been delving deep into State Library’s collections over the past year to create new insights and understand more about what is missing. As the 2025 Monica Clare Fellow, Nerelle has gathered remarkable new community stories about the working life of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders in the pearling, Bech-de-Mer and trochus industries in northern Queensland. At a time when the Torres Strait Islands became the world’s largest supplier of pearl shell, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers faced many injustices. Decades later the legacies of these industries are embedded in the identity and culture of families and communities across Queensland.

Following Nerelle’s talk, a Black Gloves Experience will be delivered on Level 4, to coincide with NAIDOC Week 2026 celebrations.

Join us for Lugger Bort: Research Reveals with Nerelle Nicol and discover more about this significant Queensland story.

The Monica Clare Fellowship is generously supported by The Siganto Foundation.

Learn more about the Monica Clare Fellowship by reading blogs. Explore the research of State Library Fellows and their projects in 2025 by watching this Research Reveals video.

Please consult our and before making your booking.

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State Library of Queensland, Stanley Pl, South Brisbane, Australia

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