The Greater Brisbane Centenary Conference

📍 The Ithaca Room, Brisbane City Hall. 64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000.

The Royal Historical Society of Queensland (RHSQ) is partnering with the Greater Brisbane Centenary Committee to host a significant History Conference commemorating the centenary of the amalgamation of Greater Brisbane. The conference will be held on Saturday, October 11th from 9am until 4.30pm at Brisbane City Hall.

This event will bring together leading historians, researchers, and writers specialising in Brisbane's history to present papers exploring the social, political, economic, and cultural impact of the 1925 amalgamation and the subsequent development of the city. Topics will range from the motivations behind the unification, town planning, the history of amalgamated towns and shires, to the long-term consequences and the evolution of Brisbane's identity.

“This is a significant conference analysing the history of the Greater Brisbane City Council and its success as an overarching local government administration over the whole city. Historians will be able to tell this story to the community.” says Stephen Sheaffe, Vice President of The Royal Historical Society of Queensland.

“This conference will provide a valuable opportunity for people of Brisbane to delve deeper into the historical context of our centenary.”

#1 🔸 Welcome to Country & Introduction by Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham

#2 🔹 “The Coming of the Greater Brisbane Council (GBC)” by Dr. Denver Beanland AM

#3 🔸 “Leader of Civic Reform” by Ms. Sallyanne Atkinson AO

#4 🔹 “Charles Chuter: Architect of Greater Brisbane” by Dr. Ruth Kerr OAM

#5 🔸 “A Superfluity of Town Hall: The Halls of Greater Brisbane’s Councils” by Dr. Carmel Black

#6 🔹 “The Greatest Achievement - Reflections on Greater Brisbane and its success” by Ms. Annabel Lloyd

#7 🔸 “Vale, City of South Brisbane” by Dr. Bill Metcalf

#8 🔹 “Planning the New City: A Plan Too Far” by Prof. Darryl Low Choy AM, MBE, RFD

#9 🔸 “The William Jolly Story - from Family Records” by Mr. Rob Price (author) and Mr. Matthew Cook (presenter)

#10 🔹 “Symbols of the City” by Prof. John Pearn AO, RFD

#11 🔸 “The Sherwood Shire” by Dr. Marion McKenzie

#12🔹 “Tides of Change - The Transformation of Sandgate to Greater Brisbane” by Ms. Pam Verney

With other papers to follow via publication after the event.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City, Australia