13 December 2005

Murder mystery clues, antique surgical instruments and the planning ground for the Allied victory in World War II are part of an array of heritage attractions in a guide launched today at The University of Queensland.

Experience Guide, produced by Brisbane’s Living Heritage Network and sponsored by UQ, highlights heritage treasures of Brisbane and surrounding shires.

The Lord Mayor’s Spokesperson for the Environment and Sustainability, Councillor Judy Magub launched the booklet at UQ’s James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre on December 13. Cr Magub says she is thrilled more people are taking an interest in local history.

“All sorts of people, places and experiences in and around Brisbane have helped influence the way we are today and more people are finding great joy, adventure and mystery in exploring our city’s history,” Cr Magub says.

Experience Guide is a wonderful initiative that will nurture and support this increasing interest in local history.

“This will be a valuable resource that will help people locate some of our city’s historical sites, as well as some historical places in the greater Brisbane region.

“The 21-page guide features 47 sites and organisations in the Brisbane City Council area and 13 sites and organisations in neighbouring areas, including Coochiemudlo Island, Ipswich, Logan, Redcliffe Peninsula and Redland,” says Cr Magub.

Brisbane’s Living Heritage Network Deputy Chair, Major John Wright, says UQ’s St Lucia campus is a “premier heritage attraction” in its own right.

“UQ St Lucia is itself a valuable heritage place. It is Queensland’s oldest university, with the majestic Great Court, and more than 10 museums and galleries across the campuses open to the public, and supporting teaching and research in our communities,” says Major Wright.

You can view the heritage highlights of the St Lucia campus as featured in the brochure by clicking on this link.

UQ’s Executive Dean of Arts, Professor Richard Fotheringham, says the guide will unlock a treasury of heritage for South East Queensland residents and visitors.

“UQ is proud to sponsor Experience Guide because it signposts events and eras that have shaped our region, our state and our nation,” Professor Fotheringham says.

“It will entice readers to visit the sites to experience more of our eventful history and rich heritage.

“Whether you are passionate about history, or simply curious, you will be intrigued by landmarks including: Macarthur Museum Brisbane (where the legendary general planned the Pacific fight-back); Brisbane Tramway Museum (for a ride on a century-old tram); Queensland Police Museum (where amateur detectives can decipher the clues to a simulated murder); Nursing Museum RBH (to learn of nursing life from the late 19th to the late 20th centuries); Victoria Barracks Museum (to see a collection of weapons, uniforms, medals, equipment and documents dating from the Boer War); Queensland Maritime Museum (to tour the World War II frigate Diamantina); and Toowong Cemetery (for a guided or self-guided tour).”

A visit to UQ’s St Lucia campus will reveal a remarkable array of collections to suit all appetites.

“We have about 26,000 items of culture, arts and crafts in the Anthropology Museum; artifacts from the ancient worlds of Western Asia, Egypt, Greece and Rome in the Antiquities Museum; and one of Australia’s finest collections of medical memorabilia in the Marks-Hirschfeld Museum of Medical History,” Professor Fotheringham says.

“UQ also owns and has restored heritage-listed Customs House, an elegant neo-classical building on the river’s edge in the heart of the city, as a cultural, educational and heritage facility.”

Experience Guide includes a map and practical information such as opening times, tour times, accessibility and the cost of admission.

Free copies are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Queen Street Mall, Brisbane (ph. 07 3006 6290); South Bank Information Centre, Stanley Street Plaza (ph. 07 3867 2051); or Brisbane’s Living Heritage Network (ph. 07 3215 0843).

Media contact: Cr Judy Magub – 0418 151 007
Kerri Laidlaw (Co-ordinator, Brisbane’s Living Heritage Network) 3215 0843; 0431 911 971
Fiona Kennedy (UQ Office of Marketing & Communications) 3365 1088; 0413 380 012