Queensland’s first holocaust museum opens in Brisbane

Queensland’s first holocaust museum and education centre has officially opened in Brisbane’s Cathedral Precinct. The Queensland Holocaust Museum and Education Centre will stand as a legacy to inform and inspire Queenslanders to stand up against racism and prejudice in all forms.

QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk joined Chair of the Queensland Holocaust Museum and Education Centre Jason Steinberg and Queensland Holocaust survivors to officially open the Queensland Holocaust Museum and Education Centre.

Locally-recorded stories of Holocaust survivors and their families living in Queensland feature prominently alongside tributes to non-Jewish people who risked their lives to save Jewish people, including those awarded the prestigious "Righteous Among Nations" honour.

An online museum will shortly be available, along with a mobile facility being developed to travel throughout the state to ensure all Queenslanders have access to the valuable resources available through the centre.

The museum and education centre was established thanks to $3.5 million in funding from the State Government, which will be matched by the Australian Government, and a Brisbane City Council pledge of $500,000.

The opening follows the introduction of new Hate Crimes legislation to ban the display of hate symbols, such as those representing Nazi ideology.

When enacted, the legislation will impose increased penalties for offences that are motivated by hatred or serious contempt and the existing offence of serious vilification.

QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk noted “The Queensland Holocaust Museum and Education Centre honours the legacy of those who faced awful atrocities, as well those who risked their own lives to save those facing persecution.

“This will ensure future generations never forget - because Queensland’s survivor stories will now be heard for generations to come.”

QLD Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard added “As the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, I am incredibly proud to represent a government that has helped deliver this important museum and education centre for Queenslanders.

“By sharing the stories of victims, survivors and their families, we have the opportunity to deeply understand this significant part of our history.

“The information and resources available through the museum will be particularly helpful to school students – our future leaders – to help them understand the dangers of allowing hatred and prejudice to fester.

“Each of us has an active role in fostering inclusive and harmonious communities.

“It’s critical that we continue our efforts to be clear that racism and hatred have no place in Queensland, so we can build a better and safer community for generations to come.”

QHMEC Chair Jason Steinberg shared “We all have a huge responsibility to keep the memory of the Holocaust that is never forgotten.

“Our multi-faceted and engaging museum tells the story of the Holocaust in a way that it has never been told – through the voices, stories and artefacts from Queensland survivors.

“There were around 27,000 Holocaust survivors who migrated to Australia and Queensland became home to more than 200 survivors.

“At our museum, visitors will hear first-hand filmed testimonies from Queensland survivors who tell their stories about life before, during and after the Holocaust.”

Image. Launch of the Queensland Holocaust Museum was attended by Premier Palaszczuk, Minister Linard, Holocaust survivors, Treasurer Dick, Minister Grace, Cr Vicki Howard and other esteemed guests.