A lottery system that saw millions of hectares of government owned agricultural land balloted, for would-be farmers will be uncovered by the winner of a prestigious State Library of Queensland fellowship recently announced. It was one of nine fellowships and awards, collectively worth more than $100,000 announced at the 2018 Queensland Memory Awards in Brisbane.
Jennifer Moffatt, the winner of the $20,000 John Oxley Library Fellowship, will explore a little known ballot that operated in Queensland for over 100 years. In the 1950s more than half the crown land distributed in Queensland involved this lottery-style system, and Dr Moffatt’s research will use the John Oxley Library collection and conduct new research to better understand how these farmers helped to shape the development of Queensland.
Minister For the Arts Leeanne Enoch is intrigued by the history that was uncovered. “The Queensland Memory Awards go far in revealing the fascinating stories of our past,” Ms Enoch said. “I congratulate the award winners who are each presenting our state’s heritage from their own unique perspective, collectively covering a great range of subjects.”“I know their dedication in exploring our history will give real insight to today’s Queensland identity.”
State Libarian and CEO Vicki Mcdonald is looking forward to the research that has been made possible. “The fellowship program helps to highlight and activate State Library’s rich collections, as well as contribute new knowledge about Queensland,” Ms Mcdonald said. “By working closely with State Library, our Fellows bring our collections to life. They contribute new research about our state’s vast history across a range of mediums including blog posts, oral histories, digital stories, and more.”
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