Tides of Teneriffe
This book steers readers through the flow of Teneriffe's history and local memories.
» Click here to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is of interest in New Farm?
- How do I find out about my house, my street, or my family?
- Why should I become a member of the historical society?
- How can I join?
- How much is membership?
- When did the society start?
- Where are the meetings held?
- When does the society get together?
- How can I contact the society?
- I have local information that I would like to share. Are you interested in speaking with me?
- How important is the story that I have to tell?
- Can I help?
- What are the achievements of the society?
- I want to buy a book. Can I organise this?
What is of interest in New Farm?
First impression shows us a wonderful park where the rotunda holds many secrets. Walking through the area is a discovery tour of old homes, new apartments, river activities, bird life and an array of people.
When one delves a little deeper the history begins to emerge. There is evidence of the convict days, homes where horses were stabled in the rear garden and light came from gas lamps. Premiers, gentry and workingmen lived here. Murders were committed and wedding receptions held. The Greeks, Jews, Italians and others have all had communities here at various times. The place was a buzz during WW2. Businesses have included timber mills, sugar factories, power stations, confectioners, bakers and modern day restaurants and cafes. What isn’t of interest in this vibrant suburb! Come along and hear more.
How do I find out about my house, my street, or my family?
Investigate via the John Oxley Library, the Royal Historical Society, the National Trust or the Post Office Directories.
Maps of the early subdivisions can be interesting and can be found at the Queensland State Archives or the John Oxley Library.
Contacting the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy can help with searches.
Images can be viewed at the Brisbane City Archives.
Come into the office on a Thursday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm. We are located at 135 Sydney Street New Farm next to the Ron Muir Room located adjacent to the Library and we will check our archives and do our best to offer further suggestions.
Why should I become a member of the society?
Without support from the community we cannot exist. Whilst we apply for government grants for particular projects we are self-supporting and membership fees are important to our operations. You will receive a monthly newsletter informing you of the work that your committee is doing, of the next monthly meeting and the guest speaker that has been organized. You are able to have a say with full voting rights.
How can I join?
Go to the membership page to download a form and submit this by mail with your payment.
Come along to a Saturday or Thursday meeting and join on the spot! The membership forms are always available.
How much is membership?
A financial year runs from September 1st until August 31st but members can join at any time. The cost is $10.
When did the society start?
The Society held its inaugural meeting on June 18, 1994 following a walking tour of the area in February that year.
Where are the meetings held?
There are two ways of getting to know us.
The first is very quiet and informal and involves coming along to our office next to the Ron Muir Room, which is attached to New Farm Library. The library can be found at 135 Sydney Street, New Farm. The office is open from 2pm until 4pm each Thursday afternoon, February to November.
The second option is to join with the broader community and attend our monthly meeting where we have a guest speaker, afternoon tea and lots of members looking to make a new acquaintence. These meetings occur on the fourth Saturday of each month (December and January excluded) starting at 2pm and are held at The Merthyr Road Uniting Church Centre, 52 Merthyr Road, New Farm. To find out about the speaker, refer to the current newsletter.
When does the society get together?
We meet every Thursday afternoon at 2pm (Christmas holidays excluded) and once per month on the fourth Saturday of the month (December and January excluded).
How can I contact the society?
Come along to a meeting.
Contact us via our online enquiry form.
Phone: (07) 3254 1449
Mail should be addressed to:
PO Box 1141
New Farm Qld 4005
I have local information I would like to share. Are you interested in speaking with me?
Absolutely! If you can write it down for us this is ideal as we do not wish to miss any opportunity for more information or to record it incorrectly. Failing that, we will do our best to record your story.
We welcome copies of old photos of homes, businesses, families or events and ask that you record what you know of the details of the photo. In leaving the information with us, we will ask you to sign a copyright form to allow us to share this information with others. You can control how you wish the information to be shared.
How important is the story I have to tell?
The Society published a book called “Reflections on New Farm” in December 2008. Almost 2,000 copies had sold just five months later. Why was this book so popular? Whilst there are many facts included in the book, it is largely told through stories from the local people. Stories were collaborated by other stories, pictures built up of events and understandings about trends developed. Many small stories led to this fascinating book. This has prompted readers to come forward and add their little piece of a story. These details are building a picture of the past for those of the future. Be assured, your story is important.
Can I help?
Yes, indeed. We are always looking for help in any one of so many ways. Just becoming a member and attending meetings is helpful. From there we have a variety of jobs that you can assist with depending on your interest and your available time, including:
- serving the afternoon tea
- selling books
- packing newsletters
- delivering newsletters in the local area
- meeting and greeting people
- becoming an archivist, an historian or a researcher
- joining the committee. Here there are many jobs from Newsletter Editor, Project Officer or one of the more formal rolls
This is only a summary of how you can be involved. Our list of projects is varied and the range of skills needed is extensive. It is a wonderful way to become involved in your local area. You will not be disappointed by what you learn. Our volunteer coordinator is Susan and she can be reached on (07) 3358 1056 to discuss your interests. Give her a call to discuss a role most suited to your interests.
What are the achievements of the society?
These are varied and substantial for such a small community group. They range from hosting a guest speaker each month, to being a part of the larger historical community that exists in Brisbane today. The Society is responsible for several publications, the most successful being the book ‘Reflections’, and is currently working on further additions to its collection. We have a growing stock of materials in our archives and like to host walking tours when appropriate. We collaborate with local artists. The Society publishes a monthly newsletter and makes itself available to the community on a weekly basis.
I want to buy a book. Can I organise this?
Yes. Go to the Shop page and follow the instructions or attend one of our meetings, as stock is always available.
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Events
Newsletter
The latest edition of the New Farm & Districts Historical Society Inc Newsletter is now available.
