WWII Symposium Allied co-operation in Brisbane moved to UQ St Lucia

The University of Queensland is a supporter of the Camp Columbia Heritage Association. They have conducted archeologic research at the site of the former camp. The St Lucia Campus was during WII the HQ of the South-West Pacific Area (SWPA) Advanced Land Headquarters led by Australian General Thomas Blamey, who was Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Military Forces (AMF) and also had the role of Commander, Allied Land Forces, see below.

Venue details

The University of Queensland 280-284 Sir Fred Schonell Dr, St Lucia QLD 4067

Venue: ViewPoint Room Building 33,(level 3)
Click here for the campus map. Type in the search on the left: ViewPoint Room.

Parking is next to this building (P10) and is free during the weekend. UQ Lakes bus and metro station is 150 mts from the venue. Walk in the UQ entrance, after 50 meters turn right along the sport fields, up the stairs (or the lift). Building 33 is in front of you.

We have limited seating and very attractive early bird tickets. Click here for programme info and bookings.

Australia’s SWPA Advanced Land Headquarters at St Lucia

The South-West Pacific Area (SWPA) Advanced Land Headquarters was a military headquarters established in Brisbane, Australia in August 1942. The headquarters was led by Australian General Thomas Blamey, who was Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Military Forces (AMF) and also had the role of Commander, Allied Land Forces.

The purpose of the SWPA Advanced Land Headquarters was to plan and coordinate Allied land operations in the South West Pacific Area. The headquarters was responsible for a wide range of activities, including intelligence gathering, logistics, and communications.

The headquarters was located in two unfinished buildings on the University of Queensland campus at St Lucia. The buildings were the Forgan Smith Building and the Chemistry Building. The headquarters was operational from August 1942 to December 1944, when it moved to Hollandia in Dutch New Guinea.

The SWPA Advanced Land Headquarters was an important strategic and operational center during World War II. The headquarters played a key role in planning and coordinating the Allied land campaigns in Papua and New Guinea. The headquarters also provided support to Allied forces throughout the South West Pacific Area.

After the war, the Forgan Smith Building was completed and used as the University of Queensland’s administrative headquarters. The Chemistry Building was used for teaching and research. Both buildings are now heritage-listed.

The SWPA Advanced Land Headquarters was a vital part of the Allied war effort in the South West Pacific Area. The headquarters’ planning and coordination helped to ensure the success of Allied land campaigns in the region. The headquarters also provided support to Allied forces throughout the area, helping to keep them supplied and equipped. The SWPA Advanced Land Headquarters played a significant role in the Allied victory in the South West Pacific Area.