Brisbane@War: Australia, USA, Netherlands, and UK
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pacific—an important milestone in global history and in Brisbane’s role as a key Allied headquarters. In commemoration, the Camp Columbia Heritage Association, in partnership with Griffith University and over 20 local and international organisations, will host a major international symposium and guided tours on 30 and 31 August 2025.
Symposium
The two-day symposium will take place at Griffith University’s South Bank campus and is being developed as a hybrid event to accommodate in-person and online participants from Australia, the United States, the Netherlands, the UK, and Indonesia. The programme will bring together academics, veterans’ groups, heritage experts, and the general public to explore the wartime and post-war legacies of Brisbane as a strategic Allied hub. See draft programme below.
Bus Tour and Community Events
On the day following the symposium, a full-day guided bus tour will take attendees to significant WWII sites around Brisbane, concluding with a commemorative gathering at the historic Camp Columbia site in Wacol. Pop-up exhibitions hosted by partner organisations will also be held throughout the year. These will showcase Brisbane’s unique contribution to the Allied war effort and its lesser-known post-war role in Indonesia’s transition to independence.
Civic Reception
A Civic Reception, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, will welcome guests and dignitaries and serve as a key ceremonial highlight of the commemorative weekend.
Get Involved
We are currently securing speakers and invite nominations from organisations and individuals interested in contributing. The draft program is flexible, and we are happy to tailor contributions to align with the overall themes of the event.
If your organisation is planning activities in connection with the 80th anniversary, we would be happy to provide our pop-up exhibition as a complementary element.
Support and Sponsorship
We are actively seeking sponsorship to help support keynote speakers, hospitality, and digital outreach. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a historic international commemoration that highlights Brisbane’s critical role during WWII. Your support—large or small—would be most welcome.
For inquiries about participation, nominations, or sponsorship, please contact the conference convener Dr Nonja Peters nonja.peters@curtin.edu.au.
See also: Brisbane Timeline to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in the Pacific