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 29 January 2026 | How Stories Shape Space: Exhibition Design at Queensland Museum
Presented by Ray Milner, Exhibition Designer
Go behind the scenes to discover how stories become spaces. From the theory behind “story-shaped” design to the creative journey from concept to construction, this relaxed lunchtime talk reveals how walls, lighting, graphics, and experiences all begin with an idea. Featuring a special case study, Make a Scene, you'll see exactly how a narrative becomes an immersive exhibition.

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.

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 

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 | Highlights from the Queensland Museum’s Chinese Diaspora Collection
Presented by Nicholas Hadnutt, Curator of Archaeology
Explore the stories behind some of the museum’s most remarkable objects connected to China and Australia’s Chinese community. This talk shines a light on cultural treasures that reveal history, identity, and connection across generations.

Thursday 24 September 2026 | Fossil hunting on Earth and Mars: the Future of Palaeontology
Presented by Caitlin Syme, Collection Manager or 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.