Camp Columbia in Brisbane's west is a historic site that connects US, Australian, and Dutch histories during World War II in the South West Pacific. It was here that plans were made to re-occupy Indonesia post-WWII and establish a new relationship between the Netherlands and its former colony. Operated by the Dutch between 1944 and 1947, it became the only foreign government-in-exile based on Australian soil, the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) Government-in-Exile. The camp also served as a location for POWs and refugees from Japanese camps in the NEI. After the war, part of the site was taken over by the Australian Defence Force, and many former barracks were converted 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 significant heritage site through the creation of a heritage trail along the remaining areas, which served as a major staging camp for the US in the Pacific under General MacArthur.
After the talk, visitors are welcome to explore the Memorial Galleries, embarking on an interactive journey from the First World War to the present day, and reflecting on the remarkable stories of bravery and sacrifice in the tranquil parklands. Anzac Square Memorial Galleries is located at 285 Ann Street, Brisbane.
Camp Columbia in Brisbane's west is a symbolic location connecting US, Australian and Dutch histories during WW2 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 Associationas he discussesplans 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. Subscribeto be the first to know about our future events. Please consult ourconditions of entrybefore making your booking. We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library'sprivacy statement. The views expressed by the speakers are their own and the promotion of products/services is not endorsed by State Library. State Library films, records and photographs events for use in marketing and communications. If you do not wish to be filmed, recorded or photographed please advise staff upon your arrival.
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