Hi, I’m Brian Randall and I’m interested in Queensland history in all its forms. I work in the State Library of Queensland’s John Oxley Library, which holds the library’s Queensland history collections, so I’m fortunate that my work coincides with my strong interest in Queensland history. In recent years, I’ve also developed a particular interested in the history and development of Brisbane’s suburbs and localities, as a topic in itself. This interest has developed out of a series of ABC Radio segments, on the history of various Brisbane suburbs, I did with Madonna King. Also, I now present periodic segments on aspects of Brisbane’s history, as well as other south east Queensland locations, for Channel Seven’s The Great South-East. So, I’m keen to extend this by learning as much as I can about our city’s suburbs as well as sharing any new or interesting aspects I turn up along the way.
I’m writing this blog as a way of exploring Brisbane’s suburbs and localities as an historical and cultural topic and learning more as a result, as well as sharing and discussing new or different perspectives on Brisbane’s suburban history.
The history of our suburbs is all around us but it changes and evolves all the time, reflecting our past as well as being with us in the present. For this reason, it can sometimes be difficult to capture and describe well. I’m aware of this, as well as my own limitations as an historian, but I’d like to generate or encourage discussion about Brisbane’s suburban stories.
Some possible topics might be the naming, settling and development of our suburbs, how our older buildings being used or re-used or how are other suburban landmarks changing? As well, what are the interesting landmarks, given that these may change or evolve over time?
How is our history being reflected or used in the suburbs and localities of Brisbane, say in the branding or promotion of businesses? In what ways are old buildings or other physical landmarks being brought to life in the suburbs, for instance, by becoming the home of a new restaurant? Over and above all of this, I’d like to identify any less well known remnants from earlier times, things that we might see every day but not notice put in the context of the area’s history.
Also, how do names connect us with the past, whether it be the name of a street, park, suburb, locality or whatever? And what about the physical layout of streets, parks, gardens? How do these provide us with a reminder of a reflection of the past?
What places, suburbs or localities have been lost to us as the city grows and evolves? For example, places such as Cribb Island were once home to vibrant communities, but were lost as the needs of the city engulfed them.
Of course, there are many other sources of information about Brisbane’s history, and no doubt, others more skilled at recording the city’s history and development and I do not see myself or this blog as duplicating or competing with these. Rather, my aim for this blog is that it can be a forum to discuss some of the less well known aspects of Brisbane’s suburban history and readers are particularly encouraged to have their say about any aspect of the blog. I’d love to see information added, mistakes corrected and above all stories told and insight shared, thereby filling in gaps with colour and depth.
