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Historical collections

Items held in the UniSQ’s Historical Archives collections fall under 30 categories.

Established as part of UniSQ’s 40th anniversary celebrations, the primary collection includes publications, historical papers, memorabilia and old technology items in various formats relating to the growth and development of the institution through its various phases:

  • Queensland Institute of Technology (Darling Downs) (1967-1971)
  • Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education (1971-1989)
  • University College of Southern Queensland (1990-1991) 
  • University of Southern Queensland (1992-present). 

Location: Enterprise Information Management, O4 Block, UniSQ Toowoomba.

A collection of the 'official records' of the University, including the minutes, agendas and associated papers for its various governance, management and advisory committees from their establishment.

Location: Enterprise Information Management, O4 Block, UniSQ Toowoomba.

The UniSQ Ipswich Collection is located across a number of campuses and buildings. A selection of artefacts, dated from the Challinor era were transferred from the Ipswich campus shortly after its acquisition in 2015. These artefacts are housed in the UniSQ Historical Archives, O4 Block Toowoomba.

The rest of the collection is kept at the UniSQ Ipswich Campus and consists of historical items of variable sizes held in multiple buildings, including a historical organ located in O building. An exhibition showcasing memorabilia from the Challinor Centre, and a historical sewing machine are located in the UniSQ Ipswich Library. 

Find out more information on the history of UniSQ Ipswich.

A collection of oral histories, film and photographs, which track developments from the founding of the Darling Downs University Establishment Association in 1960 to the present. Archival film of many events, lectures and occasions held by the University since 1982, are preserved in video and digital format.

Location: Y Block, UniSQ Toowoomba.

  • Peter Charles Rorke (OAM) Collection
  • Dame Nellie Melba D.B.E Collection
  • Bernie Snep Audio Collection

Location: Enterprise Information Management, O4 Block, UniSQ Toowoomba.

This collection contains:

  • more than 1.5 million photographic negatives used for publication in the Toowoomba Chronicle from 1953 to early 2002
  • 37,000 editions of the Toowoomba Chronicle newspaper from 1861 to 2009 held on microfilm rolls
  • Toowoomba Chronicle scrapbooks collection of 91 volumes containing published photographs from 1979 to 2001 and Down Stars scrapbooks collection of 12 volumes from 1955 to 1969
  • a comprehensive Card Referencing System for identification of negatives.

Location: Y Block, UniSQ Toowoomba. 

To access the collection, please contact:

  • Newspaper articles and editions (copies)
    Toowoomba Regional Council Local History Library
    Email: libinfo@tr.qld.gov.au

The history book USQ: The First 40 Years, authored by John Clarke and Alison McDonald, documents the history of UniSQ and its predecessor organisations.