A manual fire engine in the 1890s. The night soil system of the 1880s. Home deliveries of milk, butter and ice cream in the 1930s. These are some of the everyday details of a bygone Queanbeyan that Phill Hawke chronicles on his Facebook page, Queanbeyan Stories, complete with firsthand accounts, old photographs and rare insights.
When we think about history, it’s easy to focus on the pivotal moments and landmark events that shaped a town’s trajectory. But history is also found in the backdrops and tales of ordinary people, which is something Phill recognises and champions.
Born and raised in a family home near Queanbeyan Swimming Pool, Phill has deep roots in the region. He completed all his schooling years in Queanbeyan before studying at ANU. Phill’s family also has a long history of involvement in local sports, from swimming and water polo to football and rugby.
After years of teaching and traveling across Australia, Tanzania and New Zealand, Phill returned to Queanbeyan, drawn back by his family’s enduring connection to the area. For a time, he was a journalist for the Queanbeyan Age.
Upon moving to Park Street, Phill became interested in the history of the town: “The area [surrounding Park Street] was known as Garryowen with my great grandparents having lived in a nearby street, and my grandparents’ home just up the road.”
Phill Hawke, Queanbeyan Stories
It was then that Phill launched Queanbeyan Stories: “The history of the town has had remarkable characters and historic places of interest, which have mostly been lost. There are so many stories about the town that have been forgotten.” Through storytelling, Phill shines a light on these tales so that they can be rediscovered, shared and preserved for future generations.
Beyond recounting how everyday things once were — like firefighting, waste management and groceries — Phill’s stories help commemorate people, such as Verdi Cooper, the first lady to fly over Queanbeyan and the many Chinese migrants who called Queanbeyan home.
The project has grown into a collaborative effort. Readers often contribute their own memories and family histories. This not only adds depth and diversity to the narratives, but deepens the connection between the town’s history and its current residents.
Images courtesy of Queanbeyan Stories
Discovering Queanbeyan’s History
Since its establishment in 1838, Queanbeyan has steadily grown from a rural settlement to a thriving city of 40,000 people. Locals and visitors alike help keep the town’s heritage alive by discovering and sharing Queanbeyan’s rich past:
The Queanbeyan and District Historical Museum
Established in 1969, the Queanbeyan and District Historical Museum tells the town’s story starting with the Indigenous people and early settlers. The building itself is the historic Police Sergeant’s Residence; it was built in 1876 by a local builder John Kealman using bricks from his own brickworks in Garryowen.
The Heritage Library has a vital collection of documents, photographs and records that capture Queanbeyan’s past. Of note are the old newspapers, with editions of the Queanbeyan Age from as far back as 1860. These old newspapers are like time capsules, offering raw glimpses into the past without the filter of modern interpretation.
For those visiting during the annual Heritage Festival, engage with the town’s history by taking guided walking tours, viewing an exhibition or joining a workshop.
And of course, for those unable to join in-person, Phill’s Queanbeyan Stories on Facebook remains an accessible way to discover the area’s history.
Queanbeyan Heritage Library and Queanbeyan & District Museum
A Day in Queanbeyan by Phill Hawke
Morning: Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at one of Queanbeyan’s cafés, such as The Mill Café. The adjoining heritage-listed Byrne’s Mill was originally built in the 1850s as a flour mill.
Then, take the Queanbeyan Heritage Walk, a stroll past 26 historic landmarks such as the Rusten House, a Georgian-style residence dating back to the 1840s that is now a beautifully-restored arts centre; St. Gregory’s Church, completed in 1844; and the Queanbeyan Railway Station, which opened in 1887.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch at Queanbeyan Park or Queen Elizabeth II Park, both award-winning spots for relaxation. Queanbeyan Park, originally set aside in the 1850s, is one of the town’s oldest public spaces, while Queen Elizabeth II Park is named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in 1954. Follow it with a refreshing swim at the Queanbeyan Aquatic Centre (located near Phill’s childhood home!).
Evening: Wrap up your day with dinner at one of Queanbeyan’s many eateries, such as the Royal Hotel, which has a long history dating back to the 1870s. The Royal is known for its classic pub fare, modern twists on Australian cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere.
Spending a weekend here? Phill recommends a visit to the old homestead in Googong Foreshores for more glimpses into early settlement life. London Bridge Arch is also worth a visit, with significant links to Aboriginal culture and Dreaming stories. Outdoor enthusiasts will also love Googong Dam; perfect for water activities like kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying a picnic by the water. The villages of Bungendore and Braidwood are noteworthy, each providing a unique experience that will only further enrich your understanding of the region.
The Mill Cafe, Googong Dam and Royal Hotel Queanbeyan