2025 marks 80 years since the end of World War II in the Pacific—a defining moment in global history and in Brisbane’s legacy as a key Allied command centre.
To commemorate this milestone, the Camp Columbia Heritage Association and the support over 20 national and international organisations, will host a major international symposium and guided tour from 30–31 August.
Symposium 30 and 31 August at University of Queensland St Lucia Campus
This two-day hybrid symposium brings together scholars, veterans’ groups, heritage experts, students, and the general public to explore Brisbane’s wartime and post-war role as a vital Allied hub. Topics will range from military strategy, diplomacy and logistics to civilian experiences, migration, and memory.
Confirmed speakers will present on topics related to Australia, the United States, the Netherlands, the UK, and Netherlands East Indies. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, panel sessions, and exhibitions. Representatives of Allied governments have also been invited.
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. As such our symposium is hosted as a UQ Community Event. 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.
Conference drinks are after the sessions on Saturday afternoon at Saint Lucy Caffe e Cucina on campus followed by dinner (both at own costs).
Max 80 delegates per day
Guided Tour 1 September
Explore Brisbane’s WWII history on a guided tour of significant sites—from inner-city military headquarters to outer suburban camps like Camp Columbia. Led by expert historians, the tour will include bus transport, lunch, and onsite presentations.
Max 40 delegates for the tour
Tickets & Bookings
Early Bird Tickets (until 1 August) include:
✔ Full symposium access (both days)
✔ Morning/afternoon tea
✔ Optional registration for guided tour and civic reception
Interested in contributing or partnering?
We are also seeking sponsors to support keynote speakers, hospitality, and digital engagement. This is a rare chance to help highlight Brisbane’s overlooked but vital role in Allied operations during WWII.
For inquiries about participation, nominations, or sponsorship, please contact the conference convener Dr Nonja Peters nonja.peters@curtin.edu.au.
Programme
Venue
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. You can also find the dinks and dinner venue: Saint Lucy on the map.
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.
Allow sufficient time to arrive at the venue.
Historic background information:
80th anniversary of the end of WWII in the Pacific – Brisbane’s importance in WWII
Brisbane Timeline to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in the Pacific