Talking History: Ekibin’s Chinese Past, Annerley Library

Talking History: Ekibin’s Chinese Past, Annerley Library

EVENT FULLY BOOKED: Options for a second talk are being explored

The pocket sized suburb of Ekibin in Brisbane’s inner south now barely exists. Up until 1970 it was a suburb and census district until much of it was usurped by freeway and became part of Tarragindi.

Ekibin has a rich Indigenous heritage, with First Nations people well supported by the wetlands of the creek.

There is also a Chinese past. From the 1880s, Chinese Market Gardens started to appear along Ekibin Creek, and produced rich crops for around seventy years. ASHG’s Talking History event ‘Ekibin’s Chinese Past’ tells the story.

Local memories of these gardens are fading, but this talk aims to give this Chinese past a presence through historical survey plans, drawings, and aerial imagery.

Immigration records help shed light on the Chinese people who lived and worked there.

We are also keen to hear any memories people have of the Ekibin gardens.

If you are curious in the area’s local past and its changing landscape, please join us, Saturday, August 10 at 10:30 am. Book a place by contacting Annerley Library on 3403 1735.

A depiction of the Ekibin Gardens as part of the mural on the wall of Greenslopes State School.

About Dr Janis Hanley

My PHD is in critical heritage — ways the past is represented and remembered, and the voices not often heard.

My interest in Queensland’s Chinese past began with work researching a state listed Chinese Temple site in Croydon, in the Gulf Country.

I grew up in Tarragindi and now live in Greenslopes, so I was curious about my local area’s Chinese past. There was a lot to discover.

My colleague Jan Richardson, PhD candidate, and I have worked together on this and various projects researching Queensland’s Chinese past.

If you’d like more on this topic, you can follow our Facebook page: Journeys into Queensland’s Chinese Past

Talking History: July – November 2024

Talking History: July – November 2024

ASHG is excited to share its program of events for June – November.

The Wednesday morning drop in days will continue providing a relaxed opportunity each week to talk history.

We’re doing things a little differently in the second part of the year with a walk, events at two of our local libraries, the first Saturday afternoon Talking History events and a book launch. Watch out for more information about each event.

On the 10th August ASHG is excited to be back at Annerley library for a morning talk at 10.30 am. Dr Janis Hanley will discuss Ekibin’s Chinese past and explore the extent of Chinese market gardens from the late 1880s to post WW2.

The Memories of Stephens, the compilation of articles from the 2023 conference will be launched by Dr Denver Beanland at the Yeronga Community Centre at 7.00 pm.

On Saturday morning 28th September Lyn Burnett, John Horder and Denis Peel consider Lost Houses and the stories that they tell.

On the afternoon of 26th October Jeff Brunne will be at the Fairfield Library looking at the question Why is Fairfield so Different.

For our last event of the year ASHG is very pleased to host Dr Kevin Rains discussing Cross River Rail Archeology on Saturday 16th November at 2.00 pm.

Monthly meetings are held at 6.00 pm on the first Monday of the month unless it is a public holiday when the meeting is held on a Tuesday.

Text Box: Image Courtesy State Library of Queensland

Talking History: The Rise and Fall of the Service Stations of Annerley with presenter Mark Baker

Talking History: The Rise and Fall of the Service Stations of Annerley with presenter Mark Baker

Ever wondered about the changing Service Stations of Annerley. Find out more on Monday 3rd June at 7.00 pm when Mark Baker will presents The Rise and Fall of Service Stations in Annerley.

Mark Baker has worked in the heritage sector since the 1970s.

The event is free. Donations are welcome.

See you there for what promises to be another fascinating insight into our local history.

The talk will be preceded by the (optional) monthly meeting at 6.00 pm.

Villa Street – Sneak Peak

Villa Street – Sneak Peak

ASHG has been engaging with former and current residents of Villa Street, Yeronga to gather stories, photos and documents that tell the history of Villa Street.

It is a work in progress. On Tuesday 7 May at 7.00 pm the Villa Street team will share some of the early findings about this beautiful street.

The talk will follow the business meeting at 6.00 pm.