Lunchtime Lectures

Our free Lunchtime Lectures series takes place on the last Thursday of each month. We invite you to get to know our Queensland Museum staff who’ll present some of the research and projects they’ve been working on.

Each talk runs approximately thirty minutes, making it the perfect opportunity to take a trip though time, explore an area of Queensland, gain cultural insights, or find out about a spectacular species you mightn’t have heard of before.

Thursday 26 February 2026 | "____land"
Presented by Dylan Sarra, QM First Nations Fellow 2025
This talk explores Taribelang and Gooreng Gooreng artist Dylan Sarra’s exhibition “___land”, developed through his First Nations Fellowship with Queensland Museum. Drawing on archival research and deep cultural history, the exhibition contrasts Gregory Blaxland’s 19th-century settlement of the Bundaberg region with the thriving Aboriginal community that had existed there for thousands of years. Through a powerful visual narration, Sarra will guide audiences on an emotional journey through his family’s story, reframing the colonial narrative with insights drawn from significant records and artefacts.

Thursday 26 March 2026 | Strawberry Claws of Awesomeness
Presented by Dr Marissa McNamara, Collection Manager of Crustacea
This vibrant new hermit crab species, found only off Queensland, is famed for its distinctive red nippers and its unique way of producing underwater sound. A perfect session for anyone curious about crustaceans, marine biodiversity, or the surprising discoveries made by museum scientists.

Thursday 30 April 2026 | Relocating and Restoring the Ipswich Signal Cabin
Presented by Jennifer High, Senior Curator of Transport, Energy and Science
Built in 1895, the historic Ipswich Signal Cabin was removed from Ipswich Railway Station in 2015. The plan to relocate and restore the building within the grounds of Queensland Museum Rail Workshops is now being realised to help preserve the building and its story into the future.

Thursday 28 May 2026 | Technologies of the Body: Women and Visibility in Museum Collections
Presented by Dr Liz Bissell, Senior Curator of Queensland Stories
Women’s experiences have long been under-represented in museum collections—particularly objects connected to reproduction, maternity, contraception, menopause and sexual health. This talk explores why collecting gynocentric objects and stories matters, and how examining these “technologies of the body” reveals shifting challenges, influences and transformations across time.

Thursday 25 June 2026 | Rare Finds in the Research Library  
Presented by Shannon Robinson, Senior Librarian
Celebrate 150 years of the museum’s library with a behind-the-scenes look at its most prized treasures! Discover what makes our rare books collection so special, and explore highlights that reveal the stories, secrets, and surprises hidden on our shelves.

Thursday 30 July 2026 | Building Meaningful Connections in Education to Engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Learners
Presented by Erin-Taylor Healey, Project Officer, First Nations Engagement
Building meaningful connections in Education to engage First Nations learners requires a multifaceted approach. Learn about the importance of fostering a sense of being, belonging, becoming, and developing respectful and engaging relationships with First Nations learners and community. Explore ways to provide enriching learning experiences and better teaching practices.

Thursday 27 August 2026 | Born of fire – What role did volcanism play in shaping the modern Australian flora?
Presented by Dr Andrew Rozefelds, QM Principal Scientist Geosciences and Curator Palaeobotany
Over the past 60 million years, eastern Australia experienced significant volcanic activity that played a key role in shaping the landscapes and plant life we see today. When plants were rapidly buried by volcanic materials, they may be preserved in extraordinary detail through a process called silicification. This process can both preserve and replace their soft tissues. These fossils offer a rare and fascinating glimpse into ancient vegetation, providing clues about the evolution of Australia's rainforests. Come and discover some of the exciting research documenting the history of Australia's rainforests that is being undertaken 'behind the scenes' at the Queensland Museum.
Recommended 15+
The talk will touch on historical examples of volcanoes being responsible for human fatalities.

Thursday 24 September 2026 | Fossil hunting on Earth and Mars: the Future of Palaeontology
Presented by Caitlin Syme, Collection Manager of Geosciences 
From Queensland’s ancient landscapes to the surface of Mars, fossils reveal the story of life past—and hints of what’s to come. Discover why museums collect fossils, how new technologies are transforming palaeontology, and what this means for the search for life beyond Earth.

Thursday 29 October 2026 | Murder in the Mulga
Presented by Judith Hickson, Curator of Social History
Like many museums, Queensland Museum’s social history collection holds objects with dark histories. One of these, a rusty bore-drilling machine, bears witness to the brutal murder of William ‘Bill’ Groves at a remote outback station. This talk unpacks the story of that crime, and the forgotten times, places, and events surrounding it, revealing the many tales that lie hidden behind this infamous object.

Thursday 26 November 2026 | ‘Suitable Migrants’: Dutch Migration to Queensland 1947-1970
Presented by Dr Liz Bissell, Senior Curator of Queensland Stories
Throughout the 20th century there were major shifts in immigration due to war, natural disasters, and economic depression. Explore the post-war migration of Dutch people to Queensland, the policies that determined who was considered “suitable,” and the human stories, tensions, and challenges that the celebrated success narrative often overlooks.

You are welcome to BYO lunch. Please be mindful that the Theatre seating does not have side tables so bring something you can hold in your hands. Please ensure drinks are covered. Our cafe also has to-go options available.