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Queensland State Archives

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Queensland State Archives ensures the public records of Queensland are made, managed and preserved for the benefit of present and future generations.

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✈️ #OnThisDay in 1922, aviation history took flight in Queensland

Outback pioneer Alexander Kennedy played an important role in supporting the fledgling Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd. (), contributing financially to the new venture and joining its provisional board.

As a result, Kennedy was issued Ticket No. 1 and became one of the first passengers on the airline's inaugural scheduled passenger and mail service. On 2 November 1922, he boarded the #Longreach to #Cloncurry leg of the Charleville-Cloncurry route, marking a milestone in Australian aviation history.

Want to learn more about Kennedy, Ticket No. 1 and the early days of Queensland aviation? Visit our blog: https://blogs.archives.qld.gov.au/2021/11/23/birth-of-qantas-the-flying-kangaroo/ by @qsarchives

🎃👻 Halloween has us wondering... is Queensland's oldest lighthouse haunted? 🕯️🔦

Over the years, the remote Bustard Head Lighthouse was linked to a series of tragic events: mysterious deaths, a disappearance, a shipwreck and a near-fatal shooting. Some wondered whether the lighthouse was cursed. 👀

Coincidence, or something more sinister? 🕯️

For the full story, check out our blog and decide for yourself: https://bit.ly/4Ar6OfA by @qsarchives

Happy World Teachers' Day! 🍎📚

Today, we celebrate the teachers who inspire curiosity, encourage learning and help connect students with the stories of the past.

From classrooms to archives, education plays a vital role in preserving and sharing Queensland's history. Thank you to all the teachers making a difference every day. 💙

✨ We'd love to hear from you. Who was your favourite teacher, and what made them memorable? Share your stories in the comments below. 👇📖 by @qsarchives

🏊‍♀️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️ Swim, ride, run... and take a trip back in time!

As competitors prepare for this year's Noosa Triathlon, we're looking back to a very different Noosa. These photographs from 1931 capture the Sunshine Coast long before tri suits, finish lines and energy gels.

📸 Take a #WaybackWednesday look at Noosa nearly a century ago. ☀️🌴 by @qsarchives

📖☕ Looking for something interesting to read this week?

From mysterious disappearances and remarkable Queenslanders to historic photographs and unexpected moments from our state's past, the QSA blog is packed with stories waiting to be discovered.

Whether you're a history buff, family historian, or simply love a good story, there's something for everyone.

🔗 Settle in with a coffee and explore our blog via the link in our bio! by @qsarchives

There’s nothing like that Friday feeling! 🌴☀️

With plenty of motorsport fans heading to the Gold Coast this weekend, we're taking a #FlashbackFriday trip to a very different Surfers Paradise.

These images from our collection capture the iconic coastal destination in years gone by, long before the roar of engines and the crowds of today.

📸 Take a stroll down memory lane and explore our Surfers Paradise Flickr album to see how this famous Queensland destination has changed over the decades: https://bit.ly/4cZDzGC by @qsarchives

The countdown is on! ⏰

We're putting the finishing touches on Riding the First Wave, a new exhibition exploring the stories and legacy of the first Chinese labourers who arrived in Moreton Bay between 1847 and 1853.

Through striking contemporary artworks, archival records and descendant stories, the exhibition shines a light on a little-known chapter of Queensland's history. 📜✨

👀 Here's a sneak peek behind the scenes as we prepare for opening day.

🎟️ Join us for the Opening Event on 5 November and be among the first to experience the exhibition.

🔗 Register now via the link in our bio! by @qsarchives

Are you looking for historical records but not sure where to begin? 📖

Mob on Mondays is more than a research session. It's a chance to connect with knowledgeable staff, ask questions in a supportive environment and gain a clearer understanding of the records that tell your family's story.

Participants often leave with greater confidence, a better understanding of archival records and a clear plan for their next steps. From explaining historical records and redactions to helping navigate the QSA catalogue, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Join us at our next upcoming session on Wednesday 28 October 2026! 🖤💛❤️

📍 Queensland State Archives, 435 Compton Road, Runcorn
🔗 Register via the link in our bio!

Because access isn't just about finding records. It's about understanding them, sharing them and reconnecting with family and community. by @qsarchives

📣Our online catalogue ArchivesSearch will be undergoing scheduled maintenance. The site will be unavailable today from 4.45pm Friday 16 October until 5pm Saturday 17 October 2026.

As always, you can get your Queensland history hit via our socials, check out pictures of Queensland's past with our Flickr galleries, read Stories from the Archives on our blog, and watch great archival videos on YouTube via the links in our bio.

Thank you for your patience. by @qsarchives

Safe work practices have come a long way! 🦺

This Safe Work Month, we're taking a look back at Queensland workplaces in the 1960s and 1970s. From construction sites and factories to rail yards and workshops, these historic photographs capture the safety practices of their time and remind us how much workplace health and safety has evolved.

Whether it's hard hats, protective equipment or safe operating procedures, every improvement has helped make Queensland workplaces safer for everyone.

📸 Swipe through these fascinating snapshots from the QSA collection and see how workplace safety has changed over the decades. by @qsarchives

Happy Queensland Seniors Month! 🎉

At QSA, we're privileged to meet older Queenslanders who help bring history to life. Whether they're researching family histories, uncovering local stories, volunteering their time, donating records, or sharing knowledge with future generations, their contributions enrich our understanding of Queensland's past.

This month, we celebrate and thank the seniors helping preserve, discover and share Queensland's documentary heritage. 💙📜 by @qsarchives

Start your research journey with confidence. 🖤💛❤️

Researching your family story can feel overwhelming, especially when records are complex, unfamiliar or connected to difficult experiences.

Mob on Mondays provides free one-on-one support to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples better understand records, navigate archival systems and build confidence in their research journey.

Participants can learn how to use the QSA catalogue, make sense of archival references and develop practical strategies for continuing their research independently.

Whether you're just starting out or picking up where previous research left off, our team is here to help.

📅 Wednesday 14 October & Wednesday 28 October 2026
📍 Queensland State Archives, 435 Compton Road, Runcorn
🔗 Register vias the link in our bio!

Sometimes the most important discovery is knowing where to look next. 🌿📖 by @qsarchives