We are proud to announce that the Lord Mayor of Brisbane will host an official civic reception in honour of the Camp Columbia Heritage Association on the eve of our international WWII symposium.
This prestigious event will take place at Brisbane City Hall, in the Balmoral Room, on Friday 29 August 2025 from 5.30pm to 7.00pm. It is an invitation-only function for symposium speakers, registered delegates, and official guests.
The Lord Mayor’s support for this reception is a significant recognition of the importance Brisbane City Council places on the work of CCHA and the historical significance of Camp Columbia. It reflects the growing acknowledgement of Brisbane’s role during World War II as a centre of Allied cooperation, and the city’s unique connection to the Netherlands East Indies government-in-exile.
We are honoured to confirm that Her Excellency Mrs Ardi Stoios-Braken, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Australia, and Mrs Marjon Wind, Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Queensland, will also attend the civic reception. Their presence underscores the strong Dutch–Australian ties that lie at the heart of the symposium and the work of the Camp Columbia Heritage Association.
The evening will include short formalities:
- A welcome by the event MC
- A three-minute speech by the Lord Mayor
- A three-minute response on behalf of the Camp Columbia Heritage Association
- Opportunities for informal networking over drinks and canapés
This event is not open to the general public. Invitations will be sent directly by the Lord Mayor’s office to selected guests. To receive an invitation, you must be formally registered for the symposium or the associated bus tour.
We are honoured by this opportunity and look forward to representing our community at this special occasion.
