Historical Events tagged with "queensland"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Recognition of Aboriginal Land Rights in Australia

June 3rd, 1992 32 years ago

The High Court of Australia ruled in favor of Eddie Mabo, acknowledging the land rights of Aboriginal peoples and overturning the doctrine of terra nullius. This landmark case was initiated by Torres Strait Islander Eddie Mabo against the Queensland government, challenging the legal fiction that Australia was land belonging to no one before British colonization. The ruling led to widespread discussions on Indigenous land rights and the implications for land ownership law across the nation.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Official Opening of Gateway Bridge in Brisbane

January 11th, 1986 39 years ago

The Gateway Bridge in Brisbane was officially opened, connecting the southern suburbs to the city. This significant infrastructure project aimed to ease traffic congestion and support regional growth. The construction started in 1980 and took six years to complete, culminating in a grand opening ceremony that showcased the bridge's engineering and design prowess.

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Sports & Recreation

Queensland Triumphs in Inaugural State of Origin

July 8th, 1980 44 years ago

Inaugural State of Origin rugby match sees Queensland defeat New South Wales 20-10 at Lang Park, marking a new era in Australian rugby league. The match, held on a Wednesday evening, attracted a passionate crowd and showcased fierce rivalry. Queensland's skilled players combined effort and strategy to secure the victory. This game was pivotal in solidifying the State of Origin concept and its significance within rugby league.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Ansett-ANA Flight 149 Crashes in Winton

September 22nd, 1966 58 years ago

Ansett-ANA Flight 149 crashed in Winton, Queensland, resulting in the deaths of twenty-four people. The aircraft, a Douglas DC-8, was operating a scheduled flight from Sydney to Cairns when it encountered poor weather conditions. As it approached Winton, the plane struck trees and rural land, leading to a catastrophic failure. Emergency services responded quickly, but recovery efforts revealed the loss of all passengers and crew on board.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Trans Australia Airlines Flight 538 Incident

June 10th, 1960 64 years ago

Trans Australia Airlines Flight 538, a Douglas DC-6 aircraft, crashed shortly after takeoff from Mackay Airport in Queensland, Australia. The accident occurred due to adverse weather conditions combined with pilot error, resulting in the deaths of all 29 people on board. The aircraft was on a domestic flight when it encountered severe turbulence, leading to the tragic failure of the flight.

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Military & Warfare

Japanese Submarine Sinks AHS Centaur

May 14th, 1943 81 years ago

AHS Centaur, an Australian hospital ship, was sunk off the coast of Queensland by a Japanese submarine on May 14, 1943. The ship was marked clearly with Red Cross insignia, indicating its status as a non-combatant vessel. Despite this, the submarine launched a surprise attack, leading to the sinking of the ship. Tragically, hundreds of lives were lost in the incident, highlighting the dangers faced by hospital ships during wartime.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Story Bridge Officially Opens in Brisbane

July 6th, 1940 84 years ago

The Story Bridge, a major landmark in Brisbane and Australia’s longest cantilever bridge, was formally opened to the public. The ceremony took place amidst much fanfare, celebrating the engineering feat that stands as a symbol of Brisbane’s growth. This bridge connects the northern and southern suburbs of Brisbane, enhancing transportation and accessibility for residents and visitors alike. Its completion marked a significant milestone in the city's infrastructure development, reflecting the ambition and determination of the local authorities and construction teams involved.

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Health & Medicine

Contaminated Diphtheria Vaccine in Bundaberg

January 27th, 1928 97 years ago

In Bundaberg, Australia, a contaminated diphtheria vaccine led to the deaths of twelve children. The vaccine had been tainted with the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, causing severe illness. The incident raised concerns about vaccine safety and quality control in medical practices. Subsequently, it initiated discussions on the importance of stringent regulations in the production of vaccines and medicines.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Foundation of Qantas Airlines

November 16th, 1920 104 years ago

Qantas was founded as Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Limited in 1920. Founded by Paul McGinness and a group of investors, the airline commenced operations in Queensland and Northern Territory, aiming to connect remote areas and promote air travel in Australia. Qantas' first flight was from Charleville to Cloncurry, marking the beginning of Australia's national airline service.

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