XII Commonwealth Games 30th Anniversary Commemoration

The Sunnybank District History Group (SDHG) joined with the Coopers Plains Local History Group (CPLHG) for a celebration to mark the 30^th Anniversary of the opening of the Commonwealth Games at QEII Stadium on 30 September 1982.  This event was held at the Sunnybank Hills Library on 6 October, 2012 in place of the scheduled monthly meeting of the SDHG.  Two academic historians, Dr Marion Stell from the University of Queensland and Dr Celmara Pocock from University of Southern Queensland, attended to assist members of the public to record their memories of the Games through the Living Memory,  a multimedia interactive computer program.  Karawatha Ward Councillor Kim Marx opened the celebration.   

Special guests were the family of Paul Carter who had been in charge of putting together staff and volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the Games.  Dr Jonathan Richard from the Brookfield History Group ‘set the scene’ speaking about the politics and culture surrounding the organising of the Commonwealth Games.  Dr Neville Buch, Chairperson, SDHG and Beryl Roberts, President, CPLHG spoke about the importance of the Games to the local community.  Barbara Scott, Secretary, SDHG led a session to share memories of the Games.  Her own memories were those of being a volunteer at the Games Village at Griffith University, Nathan and produced the evidence with a mannequin dressed in her uniform which had been stored for 30 years in a top cupboard.  Daily newspapers from the village were on display with other photo albums and memorabilia from the time. 

Ann Eeles spoke about the bus fleet conducting practice runs through the suburb, distracting her pupils at the Sunnybank State School; Angela Reid’s family had been involved in the production of the medals;  Beryl Renton from the Mt Gravatt Historical Society spoke about her work with Ric Birch who staged the successful opening ceremony.  “I was the only Queenslander in the Production Display Unit at the Games with my boss being Ric Birch.  I was working for the ABC who was responsible for arranging the Opening Ceremony.”  Beryl has photos of her grandchildren inside Matilda as she was being put together.  They kept the secret and only showed pictures after the event.   The celebration was a major success for the Groups rounded off by a delightful afternoon tea provided by members.

Kyabra Community Gardens Springfest Display

Kyabra Community Gardens held a Springfest at the Association’s premises on 27 October. SDHG were invited to set up a booth which enabled the Group to spread the news of our existence and also to network with folk who could provide us with information. Interesting sessions about worm farming and mulching by Jerry Coleby-Williams of the ABC’s Gardening Australia program were enjoyed by all present. Geckoes Wildlife presentation was great with small lizards to large snakes being produced from boxes and bags.

Sunnybank Railway History

In Paddocks to Pavements: Railway Centenary, Sunnybank 1885-1985, published by the Sunnybank State High School Parents' and Citizen's Association in April 1985, on page 24, it is stated "[Do you remember?] The day in 1973 when the rail motor caught fire and was burnt out", and there is a picture of the burning Rail Motor 1808 on page 22 with the caption, "Train on fire -- Sunnybank Station 1973".

BSES Pathology Farm

This picture of the Pathology Farm at Eight Mile Plains in the mid 1980s has been scanned from page 3 of the BSES (Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations) Bulletin No. 20 January 1988.

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