Annerley-Stephens History Group Archives

The Annerley-Stephens History Group is actively engaging residents in the preservation of local heritage. It plans to document the impact of the 1973 Brisbane tornado, which dramatically affected Annerley and surrounding suburbs.

History Room and Local Landmarks

Annerley-Stephens History Group Connects Community Through Local Stories — *Photo Credit:* *Annerley Stephens History Group/ Facebook*

The Annerley-Stephens History Group operates a History Room at the Yeronga Community Centre, a central point for local historical research and community engagement. The room houses a collection of local history books and displays, including a recent addition showcasing the plaque at the Juliette Street Bridge in Greenslopes. This bridge, constructed in 1923, serves as a reminder of the former Stephens Shire Council, with the plaque listing the council members and engineer Thomas Kirk.

The group is actively seeking historical photographs of the Juliette Street Bridge, as very few are currently known to exist, and encourages the community to come forward with any relevant materials. The History Room is open to the public on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and by appointment. The group uses the room for various activities, including “Talking History Events,” work on the Villa Street Project, and drop-in days.

Remembering the 1973 Brisbane Tornado

The group also focuses on gathering stories and photographs about the devastating 1973 Brisbane tornado, which caused significant damage in Yeronga, Taringa, Moorooka, and Nathan. They actively seek contributions from individuals who have experienced the event or have related materials.

The group encourages residents to share their memories and photos at a special drop-in session at the History Room on Saturday, 1 March, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Those unable to attend can submit their contributions via email. Michelle Mills will present the collected materials on 1 November 2025.

Community Engagement and Events

The Annerley-Stephens History Group recently held their “History Alive” event, a well-attended evening of local history engagement. The event featured historical facts about the local area, opportunities for attendees to connect with other members, and a singing segment.

The group regards the event as a success, highlighting its ability to unite the community through shared historical interests. The group aims to continue its engagement with the local community through events and the continued operation of the History Room.

Published Date 24-Feb-2025

Join the Annerley-Stephens History Group as they shine light on the contributions of women in the Stephens area at their fourth local history conference in Annerley.

Read: Circle of Men Aims to Build Volunteer Support in Yeronga

To be held on Saturday, 16 October 2021 at the Mary Mac Community Centre, the conference will feature stories of women from all walks of life and background who lived and worked in the Stephens area.

The event will start with Katharine Wiltshire’s recollection of the lives of Queen Kitty and her daughter Topsy and other Chépara headwomen. Wiltshire, who is assistant to the Yugara-yugarapul Aboriginal Corporation, will be the speaker for “The headwomen of the Chépara People.”

Among the topics in the conference is the two maiden Neil Aunts of Annerley and their multi-generational legacies. It will be held by Rose Broe and Liza Neil, who will share how their respective aunts were highly respected in the community as doctors and teachers.

Photo credit: Annerley-Stephens History Group Inc.

A number of speakers will address the careers of women from all walks of life, from well-known high flying professional women like Ivy May Hassard to business women such as Yeronga’s Maude Summerlin.

Annerley’s Gwyneth Richardson, the first woman pharmacist in the Australian Defence Force, will also be one of the topics at the conference, to be led by Former Queensland senator, Dr Michael Macklin.

Born in 1917 in Brisbane, Richardson attended the Annerley State School and the Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School. She was trained by her father, John Richardson, a pharmacist at the family pharmacy at Ipswich Road, Annerley after completing her secondary education.

Richardson’s Chemist Shop (far left) where Gwyneth Richardson trained as a pharmacist under her father’s tutelage, photo taken circa 1960s (Photo credit: Annerley-Stephens History Group Inc/Facebook)

She graduated as a pharmacist in her final examinations in 1940 and was registered with the Pharmacy Board of Queensland in 1941. Unknown to many, she’s also an artist whose works can be found at the Queensland Art Gallery.

You can get to know more about Annerley’s Gwyneth Richardson and other women of Stephens during Annerley-Stephens History Group’s full-day local history conference which will start from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. You can book your place at the event via Eventbrite.

Tag: Annerley-Stephens History Group

Annerley-Stephens History Group Connects Community Through Local Stories

History Room and Local Landmarks

Remembering the 1973 Brisbane Tornado

Community Engagement and Events

Women Of Stephens To Be Featured At Local History Conference In Annerley