Should we Celebrate Brisbane's 200th Birthday?

[@colinscobie]

Thanks Rob. I will share this our upcoming election candidates

[@gordyokeeffe361]

Great video Rob. It would be a fantastic opportunity to bring all and sundry together and acknowledge past mistakes and failures and move forward together. But of course none of that will ever happen.

[@jeffreymclaughlin7755]

I love your work. This is a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the past and to get some sort of sense out of all of this. The convicts never chose to be marooned there! “Love the pun”. There were wars that have been spoken about and a mutual understanding.

[@ritaprockow2866]

Thanks

[@walkaboutwithrob]

@ritaprockow2866 Thank you! So very kind and generous of you!

[@steveyork3240]

Thanks for asking this Rob. I tend to place the founding of Brisbane in the early 1980s - when I first came across it. I’m glad that’s finally settled.

[@radlocke]

The council didn't plant a tree on coronation drive for King Charles either. Rob have you considered running for council?

[@henrygreenwood7982]

Oooooooooohh

[@chaseadams5037]

TRUE QUEENSLANDER HERE!!!! You should only be allowed to run for office in Qld if you're born here...in Queensland....... Otherwise you're nothing more than an unwanted immigrant. That includes Mexicans... (People from NSW-VIC) 🤷

[@ElvieBluebell]

we need to change the name of the state to Kingsland for the next 100 years or so (wink, wink!)

[@chaseadams5037]

@@ElvieBluebell Nah, I'd change it to "Not welcome, go home, we don't want you" 🤷

[@Enthusiastic-Trainspotter-BNE]

well then​@@chaseadams5037I'm half Asian yet was born here

[@mfitzgerald130]

We as Brisbanites should be proud of how far we have come ,look around and enjoy Australia. Queensland the Sunshine state. ✨🌅🌲🐝🏖️

[@chaseadams5037]

@@mfitzgerald130 If only the Chinese, Sudanese and Mexicans from down south didn't come here and ruin the state🤷

[@coover65]

@@chaseadams5037 The Chinese have been coming to our part of the world at least since the 1870s when gold was discovered up around Charters Towers. As for the others, well..........

[@chaseadams5037]

@@coover65 And those Chinese are long dead, their ancestors also integrated and mixed with the local population... Also... And very important to understand... the Chinese today are incredibly different to the Chinese that came here 150yrs ago.... The government, ideology, and culture was vastly different... Don't be so ignorant that you think you know without actually knowing! The Chinese today... Are telling you they're YOUR enemy! Literally in those exact words!!! They're saying it! Not us! Them!!! So why would you be okay with people who are planning to end your family in your own country? They're evil and ungrateful! No Chinese should be in this country! NONE! Don't try to include the ancestors of the Chinese from 150yrs ago... They're not Chinese... They're Australian! It's astonishing how ignorant and blind people are! 👎🇨🇳🔥👎🇨🇳🔥👎🇨🇳🔥👎🇨🇳🔥👎🇨🇳🔥👎🇨🇳🔥

[@lindafarnes486]

@@mfitzgerald130 Nepotism, a place that talks about innovation but doesn't, a cultural pond. Sorry, not seeing anything inspirational coming out of Brisbane.

[@mfitzgerald130]

@@lindafarnes486 perhaps do some research .

[@FirmNo]

Of course we bloody should! 🇦🇺 not even a question

[@jimmyboy2]

Just to add to the mix. If it's about European landings then it's not Oxley but Flinders' visit on 17 July 1799 at "Red Cliff Point" which is likely J Oxley at least partly chose it. Note Logan tried to move the Moreton Bay Settlement (Brisbane Town) to Stradbroke Island, Breakfast Creek, and Eagle Farm.

[@walkaboutwithrob]

@jimmyboy2 But Flinders' voyage north of Sydney was not to find a location for a new settlement.

[@DomCostello]

Riverfire 2025: celebrating our stories along the Brisbane River.... Just a thought.

[@PaulCooper-qk6wb]

I find it interesting to note that public floggings were regularly conducted in what we now call Queen Street Mall opposite the Queen Street entrance of what we know as the Myer Centre.

[@paradise8023]

They are still regularly conducted there most weekends.

[@billk9856]

Thank you Rob, for the important work you do.

[@divarachelenvy]

well said Rob..We need to commemorate the day.

[@fabioballesteros9841]

Brisbane is in the list of the best cities in the world, for me is the best one, amazing people here, and I love Brisbane, it is very important to celebrate Brisbane's day, not just every 100 years, every day with small actions that beautify the city, things that new generations needs to embrace.

[@katesmiles4208]

Hell yes lets celebrate Brisbane's birthday. Any excuse for a party works for me, and Brissie is a great place to live ❤ 🎂 🥳 🎉

[@ThePowerbloke]

A lot of food for thought Rob! Great stuff as always. 🙂🖖

[@adamjones1805]

Very well researched, and interesting. You're absolutely spot on. The bicentennial is ideal to open that dialogue and sensibly discuss it.

[@walkaboutwithrob]

Thanks Adam!

[@sierracharlie7293]

They won't risk any bad publicity leading into 2032.

[@thehousedetective]

Couldn’t have said it better myself! A great discussion about the commemoration of the bicentennial of the founding of Brisbane in 2025. Surely we could do it in a way that marks the history of our city, but involves and is respectful to First Nations peoples? That incorporates the history and stories of Meanjin and the eons of their connection with the land, whilst acknowledging the impact of colonialism as well? That highlights the inhumanity of the convict system that led to the founding of the city? Also to pause and take stock of where the city is now? I think it’s a great opportunity to reflect on our shared history- good and bad!

[@walkaboutwithrob]

@thehousedetective Thanks indeed. There feels like so many discussions we still need to have, but my fear is that the bicentennial will come and go with it being barely a blip on anyone's radar. Maybe there will be some positive outcomes from the conferences that are being planned, though methinks these will be mainly run by, and for, academics.

[@tbillington]

BCC are too busy fitting wheel covers to their buses to worry about a bicentennial

[@Bims-t5b]

I think I will next year hopefully if I don’t forget because I feel it is important to do such things and commemorate my city’s birthday and remember where my city came from and how far we’ve come

[@janemacintyre9801]

Public Holiday!!!

[@maqimusic]

Nice video, Rob. I think there should be some sort of acknowledgment of 200 years of colonial presence here. I think it could be an excellent catalyst for recognition and conciliation of the past with local mob as well as a celebration of the reality of now.

[@BradGryphonn]

I've shared this among my BrisVegas friends who have either moved here, or were born here like me. I was born in the old Women's hospital (the cross shaped building), and also spent a few weeks in the old children's hospital in mid 1976 due to a nasty eye injury. I even attended the hospital school for a few days.

[@56music64]

I, my husband and our son, we were all also born in that building. That was back in the day when you were lying in your hospital bed listening to the speedway across the road in the Ekka grounds. What do you all think about the $6+billion development touted for Hamilton? As long as a full feasibility study is done, I think it is exciting and a step in the right direction. So far I don't think the committee has managed to excite anyone. I wish they would just make some firm decisions and get moving

[@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf]

I have mainly Irish in me and only get free settlers. You`d think a Paddy could of tossed a rock at a pom and got sent over

[@jessdean5500]

Be nice to see BCC do something for it

[@budmcfly3311]

Thanks for educating us on this topic Rob. It would be nice if our political elite shared the same passion on the subject. Sadly I doubt they do. Like a jellyfish, their spineless

[@ArjayMartin]

Rob for Lord Mayor!

[@walkaboutwithrob]

I heartedly agree!

[@ArjayMartin]

@@walkaboutwithrob Do it then! "Take it, it's your's!"

[@Grant25]

Damn straight we should. But as we’ve seen from your work the council and state government don’t give a crap about history. Its an all over Australian problem really

[@sampletextss]

Awesome video.

[@myfreakyvalentine]

Nobody is asking the "original inhabitants" what they think? For one thing, I doubt any of them are still alive, unless they are vampires. Second thing, if you are referring to aboriginal peoples then you might want to take a look at that Griffith University symposium page again, Rob, where you won't even see the name "Brisbane" mentioned, if you get my drift. I don't think this aspect will be a minor focus.

[@pantherpeepers2453]

S for brains

[@pantherpeepers2453]

Willfully or not ..u have s 4 brains

[@WayWot]

As a living indigenous person, I approve that the bicentennial celebrations proceed. Because I was born here in Brisbane, and we have had no colonists since that time, I can legitimately claim my indigenous status.

[@tonyforno3387]

Another great episode Rob appreciated mate it would be very sad if the bicentennial of Brisbane is ignored I’m noticing a lot of celebrations of history is unfortunately being forgotten like centenary’s aswell.

[@peterlawler2201]

According to the Native Title Tribunal there are no turrabul (traditional owners) left alive. who do we have that talk with?

[@jasoreed]

Maroochy Barrambah claims to have descended from the Turrbal , but some of the sub tribes of the Jagerra nation are in dispute with that . They say that the Turrbal were initiates of the Jagerra and the last of them died during the plague years of the early 1900’s.

[@SteveMack]

I think we should.

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

great video 👍 well researched ☝️ i think it should be celebrated, and the whole story should be acknowledged . the treatment of convicts was inhumane and tantamount to human trafficking. . we wouldn't be here if not for their hard work , free labour, and suffering.

[@t-rocks1960]

Discovery is my choice 29th November 1823 , the castaway convicts, well at least they lived to tell the tale. There is some evidence Europeans were shipwrecked here earlier, but didn't live to tell the tale. I am a flinders fanboy, but he should have thrown the convicts a gong, at least naming something after them. How about we get Breakfast creek renamed to "John Finnegan Creek", Has a nice ring to it. or even Dundalli Creek. Thanks Rob, I enjoyed this video very much..

[@supergirlangela]

can you do a video on Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens and Crematorium there are ww2 doors/tunnels that are used for storage and I here there are old ww2 beds in those tunnels and god knows what else ?

[@grahambishop263]

Great video, Rob loved it

[@s00ke]

It really is a shame the city council didn’t do anything to mark the occasion. I had no idea brisbane turned 200 this year until 5 minutes ago when I looked up how old Brisbane was.

[@walkaboutwithrob]

@@s00ke actually it turns 200 next year

[@whophd]

I like this kind of discussion. I think you can do the same for “when did Australia become independent”, functionally or otherwise. And you can even argue the toss on whether we really are independent, but for me, Brexit having zero impact on us is conclusive proof.

[@minkles1330]

I grew up in The Gap in the 80s..... remember around 93 94 if you knew anyone they'd be at the Mobil haha. It was like the congregation spot for everyone

[@ozziecozzie274]

Where's my slice of cake?

[@normalcookie]

Need to censor that email at 6:25 a bit better can clearly read tamsin's email address.

[@whophd]

WAIT WAIT - are you saying between 1901 and 1903, Queensland didn’t have a capital “city” ?

[@walkaboutwithrob]

No, that is not the case.

[@stinkfinger1942]

Would be nice but I won't be holding my breath.

[@peter360adventures9]

Awesome.

[@user-qs4xw7ye5s]

Yes.

[@skillsone4384]

Lets have a party!

[@hardyakka6200]

JK as 94% ]Celtic person needs some reconciliation too. The Romans then the Anglo Saxons and then the Normans invade my land of most of Europe and the British Isles. they came ashore without a by your leave. Most countries in the world have been invaded at one time or another, Nothing makes the Aboriginal experience unique. We survived and got on with it. I doubt if my ancestors had asked the Romans to say sorry if they would have gotten anything more than a grave.

[@IamNoodly]

And how are you still being oppressed by your colonisers? Seems to me you're directly benefitting from the colonisation of Australia exactly because of your ancestry when many of our living first nations people are still kicked off of the lands they/their parents grew up in. The atrocities didn't magically happen all at once hundreds of years ago, colonisation is a process that continues today.

[@chaseadams5037]

@@IamNoodly His point is valid... My wife and son are Aboriginal and it's %100 true... That shouldn't dismiss the horrible things that happened to Aboriginal people... But nobody alive today is responsible for the invasion of indigenous land or the slaughter of indigenous people... A lot of us have Aboriginal ancestry or family that are Aboriginal.....the point I try to make is regardless of our skin colour we're all Australian... Unless you came here from overseas yourself or like the Chinese and Sudanese... You come here ... Refuse to integrate or even respect our culture, do nothing good for our nation or society but cause problems... White folks aren't the problem... The people causing the problems are quite literally the problem!

[@hardyakka6200]

@@IamNoodly Oppressed with billions of dollars spent on them? That is not oppression. Really still continues.? So you say we should all leave and let the Chinese come in? It all depends on how you grasp the new opportunities

[@hardyakka6200]

@@chaseadams5037 Did Julius Ceasar murder 2,000,000 of your fellow Gauls? Yes, some do not want to accept our ways they want to change it. Remember they come from failed societies.

[@hardyakka6200]

@@IamNoodly oppressed? oh pleaseeee

[@NGC-catseye]

Wow.

[@jasoreed]

Colonisation is a complex one to understand . At first it’s not a good thing for the indigenous peoples but in the long run there are benefits. A good person to listen to on this subject is Thomas Sowell. Brisbanes Bicentennial , should we celebrate it ? . It would just end up like Australia Day .

[@BARNESSHANE713]

Interesting

[@bradbrisbane]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 that's all. Well said and very informative.

[@benkimberley]

If it's the case that there's “always more healing to be done”, is there really any point? Is there any validity REALLY to singling out ethnicities that had it rough for 200 or 300 years longer than everyone else did? (out of the last 100,000 years) What good does feigning contrition do? ..other than being good training for fraudsters and slaves? What good does it do for those expected now to wear a mantle of disadvantage? Wouldn’t they be better off (like most of them were before) never having known disadvantage?

[@WayWot]

Yeah I think the problem is our politicians - not sure what is wrong with them but they need extensive healing.

[@benkimberley]

@@WayWot not just pollies but ALL who are ready to mortgage the futures of aborigines or women or gays or trans ppl for the clout

[@WayWot]

@@benkimberley Well it's the politicians who try to enforce their rules against the majority wishes of those they are supposed to represent - the Voice is an example. The problems always start and end with the politicians. Actually that's unfair, I should have qualified that statement - it's not all politicians that are bad, it's mainly those in the Labor party, and of course the Greens. YMMV

[@benkimberley]

@@WayWot “..YMMV” actually I tend to agree - I'm not an anarchist - good governance is obviously a requirement - it just has to be acknowledged that when those in power legislate, we all have to live with a slightly increased level of complexity. A newly or further regulated system (for whatever the stated reasons are, and however noble or compassionate) invariably means a smaller percentage of the population can navigate that system without assistance (or additional expense) requiring a larger government or additional fees (taxes) - now, here's where I lose a few friends - governance conducted in the above manner is enough to cause the often quoted progression through masculine republics, feminine democracies, and eventual tyrannical oligarchies. BUT the process can be much hastened by the introduction of a new large voting block with communitarian values, and the inclination to quickly abandoned freedoms and traditional protections for solutions quoted as being an increase to “safety and security” - i’m sure you know who i’m talking about - sadly, communitarian values and the even-steven approach that works very well nursing children DOES NOT SCALE to running a country - we spent the whole of the 20th century calling a halt to the loss of life that is the inevitable outcome of policies devised in such a manner - sadder still, I do not think there is a political solution. i fear this is a “dog on a rusty nail” situation. the kind of pain required to motivate us as a society to even consider kicking women out of the ballot box (as a way to slow our descent towards another snitch-powered, police state where people are feeding their children by butchering their family pets) would probably only be felt by us after our arrival there

[@sammyflorczak8800]

The history of colonization and its ongoing impacts on Aboriginal peoples are complex and deeply rooted. Healing and reconciliation are ongoing processes precisely because the effects of historical injustices continue to be felt today... It goes along the same lines as "we can always improve and do better". And I'd argue that your sentiment about singling out Aboriginal people is flawed. In fact, they've been nothing but singled out throughout our history as targets for injustice. It's about time we do more to help and heal.

[@GizmosBushEscapes]

puttting all funds towards olympics

[@mariehillard1742]

Well said!

[@ninjamoves3642]

best video you've made Rob

[@garylydement5020]

Very interesting Rob

[@kyleclose3250]

So I celebrate now, tomorrow or last year LOL yup the old "ostrich system"

[@dropbear6740]

Sorry but for how long does modern Australians need to be made to feel as if we have done things wrong, all the wrongs you talk about were done many years ago, we have had our SORRY days and apologies but still they bring up more. This is why conflicts occur around the world because no one wants to forgive or forget, I realy hope you are not one that wants to end celebration days like Australia day or is it Invasion day as they all claim

[@Grant25]

You’re absolutely right. I’m not descended from the people who did those terrible things. A third of our population has arrived here after 2000. We gonna tell them they’re guilty as well?

[@IamNoodly]

And what work are you doing to meet the people who should just 'forgive and forget' halfway? Or are you just wanting their suffering to remain silent because it's inconvenient for your to hear. Conflicts occur because of people who are so precious that can't listen to others for change.

[@IamNoodly]

@@Grant25 you're admitting that you're a recent immigrant, who has had the (I'm assuming) easy privileged of settling here because of European ancestry and the fact that colonisation of these lands is ongoing. The terrible things continue - it's a choice to listen/watch or ignore it.

[@maqimusic]

26th of January is Invasion Day. Any other day of the year could be (and in the past, have been) chosen to celebrate the establishment of Australia as a nation. 26/01/1788 is the date of establishment of the first English penal colony on this continent. Do you seriously believe that the establishment of a prison = the establishment of a nation? Australia first came into existence on 1st January 1901. Prior to that this country was a bunch of English colonies. This is a history channel. Learn some.

[@maqimusic]

@@Grant25 The OP is not right. I too am not descended from “the people who did those terrible things”. I am descended from an Italian who came to North Queensland in the 1930’s to replace the indentured Kanakas working as cane-cutters. The thing you’re missing is that all of the wealth we enjoy, no matter when we arrived, is derived from land stolen from the original inhabitants. This is a history channel. Learn some.

[@servantofgod5642]

You forgot the 4th date when Brisbane separated from Australia when yu mate Bejelkie Petersen was premier 1968 ?

[@lindafarnes486]

Why? Australia only started this anniversary stuff sfter the US did. Its expensive, and there are better things to soend the money on.

[@coover65]

Australia has been doing anniversary celebrations since at least the 1930s.

[@walkaboutwithrob]

@lindafarnes486 Actually, commemorations for historical events have been around for quite some time. For example the first Remembrance Day was held in the UK in 1919.

[@lindafarnes486]

@@coover65 Maybe I'm wrong, but I believe the US was celebrating before the 1930s. More to the point, I'm not seeing the armpit of Australia being worthy of celebration. It's money that could be spent in the regions. The region's gutted by Campbell Newman, a famous Brusbanite.

[@683dxwww7]

To the victor go the spoils .

[@damienwilloughby]

We just wanted more and had a bigger stick 😏

[@presidentxijinpingspoxdoct9756]

Seems as if a "black armband" view of history is afoot in Brisbane.

[@williamrobinson3957]

Yea thanks 😊

[@garrythistleton7539]

Running our of history Rob this is a repeat I've seen all these photos before.

[@charliesnorta0666]

You're a special kind of special

[@lawdpleasehelpmeno]

There is plenty of history left. Rob - come out to Walloon! You did Marburg but over the hill there is a rich history. The babies of Walloon, Captain John Rea's exploits, the railroads, the scrub, Mt Marrow. Lots to talk about.

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

the topic worth covering again because neither the federal, state, and local government have acknowledged it or are planning to do anything to celebrate it.

[@jenlarge9036]

It would be nice if the blacks could celebrate Brisbane's Bi-Centennial along with us, but they won't. Us born and bred Queenslanders/Aussies, just want them to embrace Australia, and all of us in it.

[@tymaguire4175]

Invite the tuirbal people and historians to host an interactive cruise down the brisbane river or something like that. Its a tough situation. A whole population was almost wiped out, and then institutionalised in aboriginal refuges ect. The first 150 years post invasion is a very dark history for the indigenous. Id love to see some sorta story telling event that celebrates the city brisbane is today, but its so hard to do that with such dark history.

[@dropbear6740]

But we have heard the stories and like you I wish it had never occured, but it is up to both sides to come together, I am married to a beautiful indigenous women and I can tell you the ordinary indigenous person just wants to get on with their lives and not be used as pawns.

[@walkaboutwithrob]

@tymaguire4175 I have contacted the Turrbal people several times to work with them on a video, but I got no response each time.

[@IamNoodly]

@@walkaboutwithrob I can understand why. Look at your followers! Hardly an open and understanding bunch. The best way to help people is to ask what will help them - not expecting them to show up on your platform to help you views.

[@walkaboutwithrob]

@@IamNoodly As it happens, my "followers" are an intelligent bunch of people. Except for you. Do you have anything even remotely intelligent to offer, or should we just consign you to the troll bin?

[@IamNoodly]

@@walkaboutwithrob did I for a moment question their intelligence? Open and understanding is another thing entirely. I'm not a troll, I genuinely care. Not for a moment has anyone remotely considered anything I've suggested. I've never claimed to speak for others, though I'll call out if I see double standards and closed mindedness. Majority of the commenters are basically saying all 'healing' will take is for indigenous people to 'just get over it', and 'forget the past'. I see no empathy whatsoever. Just people feeling defensive and inconvenienced by anything that makes them question themselves for a moment. Is this what you're defending/endorsing?

[@IamNoodly]

Australia is now the only Commonwealth country without a treaty with our First Nations peoples. @walkaboutwithrob - you had a choice, and you chose to focus completely on a Eurocentric view of history. You've suggested we 'use' this opportunity to acknowledge past mistakes and injustices and how we should heal. How about doing the work and posting a video about that to educate your followers? You seem great at researching, and there is plenty of great references and information available online. Might I even recommend approaching some first nations historians and advocates? Best of luck!

[@walkaboutwithrob]

@IamNoodly The purpose of the video was to offer ideas; a personal opinion. A conversation piece. It was not intended as a step-by-step detailed guide on how to resolve past injustices. As for your (unnecessary) accusation of me using a Eurocentric view of history. What view of history should I be using? I am a European and I live in the Western world. This is my culture and my background.

[@IamNoodly]

@@walkaboutwithrob so you don't think we should put the work in to overcome the 'past' and our Eurocentric biases so that we can resolve 'past' injustices, and learn from our mistakes? You said yourself, we live in so called Australia - not Europe. We have over 60,000 years of black history that is really worth learning about. I suggest reading Dark Emu as a great place to start.

[@BrettNoneya]

@@IamNoodly The only injustice is expecting everything for free and constant handouts. Wish I could have got half the benefits first nations people get. Just the lower percentage for a home loan and less deposit would have saved me 100 grand over 30 years. What holds them back and creates a divide is they do not want to be educated, work, earn their own money and create self-respect. And it has nothing to do with skin colour. Black people from all over the world come here and have no problems working and getting jobs educated or not. Went to school in the 80's and we had to learn at school and attend every class. First nations kids just had to get their name marked off and then would leave school and do whatever they wanted. Reply to teaches if they told them to get back in the gate. You cant tell us what to do F off whitie C. How often do first nations parents make their kids do homework? NEVER! Or any work.

[@683dxwww7]

​dark emu has been proven false and the author is not Aboriginal as he claimed may i suggest research.

[@lonnie224]

@@IamNoodlyInstead of insulting someone to do something that you believe. Why dont you do it yourself? Rob has always been respectful when speaking about Aboriginals. Go do your activism somewhere else.

[@Sir_Richard_Stewart]

NO. ITS ONLY A COPY OF MELBOURNE And Canberra is an Exact Copy

[@Sir_Richard_Stewart]

@@JaydenWilliams-my1br Built by Freemason Scum. Just like Melbourne. And plenty of Freemason Child Trafficking Tunnels under there

[@jimmybe64]

@@Sir_Richard_Stewart What medication are you on Dicky?

[@Sir_Richard_Stewart]

@@jimmybe64 It's FKN recorded history. I actually listened in school when we were actually Taught. Today's kids for the last 30 years are simply indoctrinated. You probably believe the aboriginal are the first nations people also 🙃🤪🙃🤪🙃

[@callomtm]

@@Sir_Richard_Stewart where are the tunnels, i want the tunnels

[@Sir_Richard_Stewart]

@callomtm Under Melbourne. Train upgrade is t hide the money for the Trafficking tunnel From Melbourne to Canberra to Sydney to Townsville. There is a tunnel From Perth to Broome, Then to the Port that the Chinese just got for a 1$