State Library of Queensland

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There is so much on offer at State Library. Explore ways to make the most of your visit before you arrive.

Join us for an Auslan tour of Deaf in dance: feeling the beat in kuril dhagun. A State Library staff member will give a guided tour of the showcase, sharing insights about the photographs, artworks and digital stories that are on display. The staff member will be accompanied by an Auslan interpreter. About the showcase Experience the vibrant and rhythmically charged world of the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group (DIDG), Deaf in dance: feeling the beat shines a spotlight on the talent and accomplishments of DIDG through an exhibition of artworks and digital stories together with photographs from State Library's collection by photo-journalist Sean Davey. Book your space now!

In celebration of International Women's Day, join us for a free talk on the changing nature of contemporary service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the experiences of ADF women over the past 20 years. Presented by special guest speaker Natalie Merryman, this talk will delve into the reforms and policy changes that have opened possibilities for women in the ADF, the accomplishments of contemporary ADF women, and the lack of real recognition of women as veterans in the community. Natalie will discuss her research project and findings to illustrate why this is, what the consequences are, and what needs to change to address the issue. Natalie Merryman is a PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of Newcastle, focusing on the gendered experiences of women veterans in the ADF. A military veteran herself, Natalie brings a wealth of practical experience to her research having worked as a Registered Nurse and a volunteer Military Compensation Advocate. Natalie is deeply embedded in the veteran community, having served with a number of veteran support organisations and is also a casual Research Assistant with the Open Door Veteran Research Initiative at Flinders University. Natalie has also achieved notable academic success and was winner of the Student of the Year award at the Veteran, Emergency Services & Police Industry Institute of Australia (VESPIIA) 2024 Excellence Awards. During 2024, Natalie presented her research at the DVA Women Veterans’ Policy Forum, Scottish International Conference on Armed Forces in Society and also at the Australian Women’s and Gender Studies Association Biannual Conference. She has also been invited to present her research at the UK Centre for Military Women’s Research 2025 conference at Cambridge University. Natalie has spent over 20 years advocating for veterans and defence personnel. Her motivation stems from a deep commitment to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. She aims to use her research to inform policies and interventions that improve outcomes for veterans and their families including efforts to end veteran suicide. After the talk, visitors can stay to explore the Memorial Galleries, embarking on an interactive journey from the First World War to today, before taking time to reflect on the remarkable stories of bravery and sacrifice in the tranquil parklands. Anzac Square Memorial Galleries is located at 285 Ann Street, Brisbane. Entry is through the double brass doors located beneath the Shrine of Remembrance.

Join us for an exciting evening where project pitches and collective generosity join forces to affect real change. Enjoy some light refreshments as you mingle with like-minded guests and discover more about the projects. Hosted by Courtney Talbot, President of the Queensland Library Foundation and Andrew Baker, Managing Partner of Perpetual Private, this event features presentations from three State Library experts showcasing their innovative projects. You’ll have the chance to cast your vote for the project you think should receive $30,000 in funding. Your $150 (tax-deductible) donation gives you entry, a vote, and the opportunity to help bring one of three transformative State Library projects to life. Be part of something special and encourage friends and family to join you – your vote can shape the future! RSVP: For catering purposes, please book by Wednesday 5 March 2025. Unable to attend but would still like to donate? We welcome your support. For more information please contact the Queensland Library Foundation at 07 3840 7767. Learn more about the Queensland Library Foundation.