Camp Columbia in Brisbane’s west is a symbolic location connecting US, Australian and Dutch histories during WWII in the South West Pacific.
It is the location where plans were made to re-occupy Indonesia at the end of WWII and to formulate the new relationship between the Netherlands and its former colony. The Dutch operated from this camp between 1944 and 1947 and established the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) Government-in-Exile, the only foreign government ever operated from Australian soil. The Camp was used for POWs and refugees from the Japanese Camps in the NEI. After the war part of the site was taken over by the Australian Defence Force many of the former barracks were transformed into the Wacol Migration Centre, the largest in Queensland.
Join Paul Budde, Chair of the Camp Columbia Heritage Association as he discusses plans to preserve the history of this important heritage site through the creation of a heritage trail along the last remnant of the area – the major staging camp for the war in the Pacific from US General MacArthur.
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.
The event is free but bookings are essential.