Queensland’s German connections

1. Queensland’s German connections Peter Ludlow

2. Moreton Bay was a convict settlement from its founding in 1824 until it was thrown open for free settlers in 1842….

3. Moreton Bay’s first free settlers were German Missionaries…

4. These Gossner Missionaries established a mission at Zion Hill (now Nundah) in 1838…

5. The Mission was closed in 1848 without a single Aboriginal conversion to Christianity

6. In 1842 Ludwig Leichhardt arrived in Australia to study rocks and wildlife. In 1844 he made his 15 month trek from the Darling Downs to Port Essington

7. On a subsequent trek in 1848, while attempting to cross Australia from east to west, Leichhardt and his group vanished without a trace…

8. After the convict era, the free colony was left to find a new source of labour. The exploits of Ludwig Leichhardt had been keenly followed in his native country. This interest in Australia was to be exploited to attract German Immigrants…

9. Advertisement in Moreton Bay Courier, November 1854: GERMAN IMMIGRATION In presenting the object of our circular of August last, we have now to acquaint the stock and landowners, and other employers of these districts, that our Mr. Heussler contemplates visiting Germany, to establish a continued Immigration thence to this place, and to request that all parties wishing to procure Vine-dressers, Shepherds, Hutkeepers, Farm Labourers, Domestic Servants, Mechanics, single or in families, through us, will be pleased to favour us with their orders as soon as possible. Information as to terms and wages may be obtained from our office. HEUSSLER & CO. South Brisbane, Nov., 1854.

10. 1861 Johann Heussler writes to Colonial Secretary offering himself as immigration officer. He later brings 2000 German migrants to Queensland. Also builds Fernberg as his residence

11. Fernberg was later to become the official residence of Queensland’s Governors

12. Reichstag

13. Arriving at their new home must have been quite a shock

14. The Dux Family bark hut at Southport

15. Stumer’s slab hut of 1879 Now situated at Templin Museum (near Boonah)

17. Farmers beekeepers grapes and wine

18. In the Redlands

19. Wilhelm Schmidt’s cab

20. Engelmann's Raby Bay butchery and store

22. Mount Cotton Cemetery St Paul’s Lutheran Church Mount Cotton Faith Lutheran College Redlands

23. 1933 Adolph Benfer starts poultry farm at Mount Cotton. 1966 set up abattoir to process chickens. 1977 awarded MBE for services to the industry Today the Golden Cockerell firm still operates.

24. Edward Heinemann Secured a telephone service to Redland Bay and later Mount Cotton. Ran the Post Office and telegram service from his home. During WWI the Post Office was transferred from Mr Heinemann to the home of Dennis O’Hara Burke for ‘security’ reasons.

26. Their legacy today

27. Nundah Cemetery

28. Road Signs

29. Entertainment Bert Hinkler’s plane at the Queensland museum Mephisto - the WWI German tank at the Queensland Museum German Film on SBS and at the German Film Festival

30. Community German Club Oktoberfest Cuckoo Clock Nest

31. Politicians and Public Figures Martin Albrecht AC Russ Hinze Judy Spence

32. Industry Hochtief Australia Ltd Thiess Brothers Herrenknecht AG

33. The end?