1. Aboriginal Landscape, Pre-history

Before European settlement, two Aboriginal groups lived in the Brisbane and Ipswich areas, the Jagera and the Turrbal tribes who spoke the Yugara language. Exactly where the territorial boundaries lay between the two groups is unknown, however, the Jagera traditionally occupied the areas south of the Brisbane River while the Turrbal primarily lived north of the river…read more

2. Early European Explorers, 1823-1828

The first recorded European history within the Wolston and Centenary catchments dates back to December 1823 when John Oxley first explored upstream as far as the present day Priors Pocket and Goodna…read more

3. The European Landscape, 18702-present day

Early roads kept to ridges (the watersheds) wherever possible to avoid creek crossings. It was very difficult for horses and bullocks to negotiate steep creek banks with rigid carts and wagons, and broken axles, spills and bogging were dangers to be avoided. Keeping to the ridges also avoided the often denser undergrowth along the flats and waterways…read more

4. History Since World War II

With the intervention of the United States (US) defence forces and the establishment of US General Macarthur’s command in Brisbane, military camps were established in various parts of greater Brisbane and South-East Queensland as part of the Pacific Theatre war effort. Camp Columbia, the major base developed by the US Army to house both US and Australian troops, occupied land in Wacol on both sides of Ipswich Road during the period of the war…read more

5. Aspects of Social History

The Wacol immigration centre was the first port of call for some European migrants after World War II. Countries of origin included Poland, Yugoslavia, Latvia, Malta, Greece and Italy. Probably the largest group was the Poles who established a community centre opposite the cement works. Together with the brickworks, the cement works was one of the major employers of migrant labour…read more