Symposium Allied Co-operation in Brisbane during WWII: Australia, USA, Netherlands, UK
The symposium Allied Co-operation in Brisbane during WWII: Australia, USA, Netherlands, UK (University of Queensland, 30–31 August 2025) drew a full house of delegates, historians, community representatives, and descendants to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War. Organised by the Camp Columbia Heritage Organisation Inc. (CCHA), the event was sponsored by the Netherlands Embassy in Australia. With a keynote by Dr PaulJac Verhoeven, Director Museum Bronbeek, an exhibition anchored by the Dutch ceremonial sword from Camp Columbia, and powerful testimonies from survivors of Japanese camps, the program traced Brisbane’s wartime role across Navy, Air Force and Army, the Netherlands East Indies Government-in-Exile, Indonesian exile politics, and the wider legacy of Allied cooperation. A civic reception in honour of CCHA at City Hall hosted by the Lord Mayor, a guided bus tour of major WWII sites (including the former Camp Columbia) rounded out the event.
Outcomes at a glance
- Put Brisbane on the map as Australia’s WWII Allied Capital — align public recognition nationally and internationally, with opportunities to feature this theme at Talisman Sabre 2027 and to develop a major heritage attraction for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
- Strengthen CCHA’s capacity — new volunteers stepping into strategy, project management, research, education, and storytelling roles.
- Publications & research — republication of Dr Jack Ford’s Allies in a Bind; an e-book of symposium papers; and newly surfaced Camp Columbia materials will be added to the CCHA website as they become available.
- Momentum & support — confirmation of a $20,000 Federal Government grant for CCHA announced by The Hon. Milton Dick MP, helping turn these plans into deliverables.
Together, these outcomes move us from commemoration to action—building recognition, resources, and partnerships so Brisbane’s wartime story is preserved, shared, and understood on a global stage.
