Official Opening of ‘History Alive: A Journey Through Time’ Queensland Living History Federation

Ms Joan Pease MP, representing our Premier; Councillor Ryan Murphy, representing our Lord Mayor; other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. I am delighted to join you for ‘History Alive: A Journey Through Time’.

I acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera Traditional Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, and in doing so acknowledge their immense contributions to the historical and contemporary identities of our vast State and nation.

I congratulate the Queensland Living History Federation for the stupendous, year-long effort involved in putting together this Festival.

And I pay special tribute to one of your affiliates, the tremendous Fort Lytton Historical Association, whose members work diligently, year-round, to support the staff of Queensland National Parks and interpret this significant historic site to the wider community. 

Medieval English has given us the wonderful word ‘pageant’, meaning “an elaborate public spectacle”.

I can’t think of a better word to describe ‘History Alive’ – it is truly a ‘pageant’, traversing time and continents to celebrate our shared human heritage.

What unites all of the re-enactors, no matter which era they seek to portray, is love – love of history, love of research and a love of performance. 

Sharing that love of heritage is what makes ‘History Alive’ such a joyous pageant, and a distinctive event unlike any other.

I think what you achieve is remarkable frankly, giving tangible, graphic meaning to 10,000 years of social heritage. History really is better experienced in action, and as your Governor, I commend you all most warmly for your dedication to this worthy pursuit.

‘History Alive’ is part of a vibrant calendar of events which helps make Brisbane such a vibrant and interesting place in which to live.

I acknowledge the dedicated re-enactors who will welcome over 4,000 curious visitors over the next two hectic days.

I thank the sponsors whose support has made this event possible.

And I pay special tribute to all the behind-the-scenes volunteers whose hard work and dedication underpins this extraordinary weekend.

I do not underestimate the logistical challenge involved in staging an event this size, and you have carried it off in a professional manner that would make the historical military owners of this site very proud.

It is with great pleasure that I declare officially open ‘History Alive: A Journey Through Time’, and I hope everyone enjoys this weekend.