Queensland State Archives

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Runcorn, QLD
Queensland State Archives

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Queensland State Archives (QSA) is the custodian of the largest and most significant documentary heritage collection in Queensland.

It manages, preserves and facilitates public access to the state's permanent archival public records. As the lead agency for recordkeeping, Queensland State Archives is also responsible for the development and implementation of a whole-of-government recordkeeping policy framework. This framework ensures a consistent approach to the creation, management, disposal, storage, preservation and retrieval of government information. Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 4.30pm, excluding Public Holidays and the Christmas to New Year holiday period. The public search room is also open on the second Saturday of every month from 9.00am to 4.30pm. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander followers are warned the photographs on this social media channel may contain images of deceased persons which may cause sadness or distress.

25/10/2026

📖☕ 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: https://bit.ly/4hOKBk6

23/10/2026

There’s nothing like that Friday feeling! 🌴☀️

With plenty of motorsport fans heading to the Gold Coast this weekend, we're taking a 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

20/10/2026

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: https://bit.ly/3VWeTc8

19/10/2026

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 here: https://bit.ly/MobOnMondays

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

16/10/2026

📣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 https://bit.ly/QSAFlickr, read stories from the Archives https://bit.ly/QSAblog and watch great archival videos on YouTube https://bit.ly/QSAYouTube.

Thank you for your patience.

15/10/2026

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.

12/10/2026

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. 💙📜

08/10/2026

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 here: https://bit.ly/MobOnMondays

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

05/10/2026

📚 School's back, and we're already thinking about coffee. ☕

This focused coffee picker was photographed in Atherton in 1927. Nearly 100 years later, we're guessing a few parents and teachers would appreciate the fruits of their labour as they prepare for the first day of term! 😄

02/10/2026

📅 Planning a visit to QSA this October?

Just a heads-up that QSA will be closed this coming Monday 5 October 2026 for the King's Birthday public holiday.

Need some archive time? We've got you covered! 👏 Our Reading Room will be open on Saturday 10 October, giving researchers, family historians and history lovers an extra weekend opportunity to explore Queensland's fascinating stories and records.

Whether you're uncovering your family history, researching a project or simply following your curiosity, we'd love to welcome you.

See you soon! 👋

Address

435 Compton Road
Runcorn, QLD
4113

Telephone

+61730376777

Website

https://archives.qld.gov.au/, https://www.flickr.com/photos/queenslandstatearchives/albums, https://bit.ly/QSAnewsletter

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