Historical collections

Established as part of USQ’s 40th anniversary celebrations, the primary collection includes publications, historical papers, memorabilia and old technology items in various formats relating to the growth and development of the institution through its various phases as:

• Queensland Institute of Technology (Darling Downs) (1967-1971)
• Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education (1971-1989)
• University College of Southern Queensland (1990-1991) 
• University of Southern Queensland (1992-present). 

Location: Corporate Records, O4 Block, USQ Toowoomba.

A collection of the 'official records' of the University, including the minutes, agendas and associated papers for its various governance, management and advisory committees from their establishment.

Location: Corporate Records, O4 Block, USQ Toowoomba.

A collection of oral histories, film and photographs, which track developments from the founding of the Darling Downs University Establishment Association in 1960 to the present. Archival film of many events, lectures and occasions held by the University since 1982, are preserved in video and digital format.

Location: USQ Media Design and Development, Y Block, USQ Toowoomba.

• Peter Charles Rorke (OAM) Collection
• Dame Nellie Melba D.B.E Collection
• Bernie Snep Audio Collection
• USQ Musical Score Collection (Working Library)

Location: Corporate Records, O4 Block, USQ Toowoomba.

This extensive personal library was donated by Professor Ken Goodwin, a former USQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (1992 to 1998); Professor Goodwin was a researcher and accomplished author of many outstanding papers and definitive texts.

Location: Corporate Records, O4 Block, USQ Toowoomba.

This collection contains:

• more than 1.5 million photographic negatives used for publication in the Toowoomba Chronicle from 1953 to early 2002
• 37,000 editions of the Toowoomba Chronicle newspaper from 1861 to 2009 held on microfilm rolls
• Toowoomba Chronicle scrapbooks collection of 91 volumes containing published photographs from 1979 to 2001 and Down Stars scrapbooks collection of 12 volumes from 1955 to 1969
• a comprehensive Card Referencing System for identification of negatives.

Location: Y Block, USQ Toowoomba. 

To access the collection, please contact:

• Photographic negatives (reproduction)
  Bev Lacey, Toowoomba Chronicle
  Email: photo@thechronicle.com.au 
  Phone: +61 7 4690 9272

• Newspaper articles and editions (copies)
  Jayne Fitzpatrick, Toowoomba Regional Council Local History Library
  Email: jayne.royal@tr.qld.gov.au 
  Phone: +61 7 4688 6151

The USQ 40th Anniversary website, in its original format, is a significant historical artefact. The history book USQ: The First 40 Years, authored by John Clarke and Alison McDonald, documents the history of USQ and its predecessor organisations.