TIMELINE OF EVENTS UP TO 1979
1969
- Qld Branch of the World Ship Society formed.
1970
- Investigation held on the possibility of preserving the ex Brisbane Steam Pilot Ship John Oxley but decided to donate to the Sydney Cove Maritime Museum.
- August – SS John Oxley sailed to Sydney with Chairman Rod McLeod on board for transfer to LH&PJ MSM (now Sydney Maritime Museum). Shell Australia (Brisbane) donated the bunker fuel for the voyage.
- 17 February – QMMA formed as a public company guaranteed and registered under Section 24 of the Companies Act.
1971
- 10 June – Steam Tug Forceful donated to QMMA after paying a nominal sum of $100.00.
- 8 August – Trial run of ST Forceful conducted from Mary Street Brisbane City to Hamilton and return.
1972
- 25 September – South Brisbane Dry Dock closed and transferred to QMMA.
1973
- April – Work begins by the QMMA volunteers to clean up the South Brisbane Dry Dock site.
- February – ST Forceful moved to berth at the South Brisbane Dry Dock.
1973
- The first donation to QMM was the fine amateur built model of the Orient-Pacific liner SS Orizib.
- October/November – The diesel powered Tug Koala donated to the museum for general duties. The Koala was built during World War II.
1974
- 8 January – Australia Day flood of the Brisbane River. Over one metre of water floods through the dock grounds.
- 28-29 January – ST Forceful with engines running but tied to wharf, survived during the peak of the river flood. Diesel Tug Koala moored in the back water and was in less danger.
- The diesel engine from a British Safari Class submarine donated to QMM by the Queensland Cement and Lime Company.
- November – QMMA membership reaches 150.
1976
- Qld Harbours and Marine Department donates the costs for ST Forceful’s annual docking and painting for four slippings.
1978
- 21 March – South Brisbane Dry Dock listed in the register of the National Heritage Commission.
1979
- 9 October – HMAS Diamantina steams out of Fremantle Harbour for the last time, displaying her paying off pennant.
1979
- December – The old Diesel Workshop opened as a Museum Display Hall by Qld Governor Sir James Ramsey. 200 first-time visitors entered the museum.
- QMMA’s own printing shop opens (managed by member George Gee) and begins producing signs and brochures.
- Work commences on cleaning out the South Brisbane Dry Dock.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.