Preserving the past, inspiring the future

Nestled within Morrison Hall at UQ Gatton is a hidden gem that holds more than 120 years of agricultural and educational history: the UQ Gatton Museum.

Curated by passionate volunteers and supported by the UQ Gatton Past Students’ Association (UQGPSA), the museum is a living archive of the campus’s evolution, from its origins as the Queensland Agricultural College (QAC) to its present-day role as a leader in agricultural and veterinary teaching and research.

The museum is more than a collection of artefacts. It is a tribute to the generations of students, staff, researchers and community members who shaped the Gatton story.

Visitors can explore rare photographs, historical publications, and memorabilia that trace the campus’ journey through world wars, social evolution, industrial challenges and scientific breakthroughs. From the first diploma issued in 1900, through to milestones of resilience and innovation, every item reflects the QAC motto of Science with Practice.

A long-term vision is now taking shape to give the museum a fit-for-purpose home, a space worthy of its rich and irreplaceable collection. In the near term, it is hoped that efforts will soon be underway to digitise the museum collection, ensuring its treasures are preserved and accessible to people across Queensland and around the world.

“The museum is a vital link between past and present,” says UQGPSA Museum Coordinator, Julie Reid. “It reminds us of where we’ve come from, and why it matters.”

As part of this year’s UQ Giving Day, the UQGPSA is calling on alumni, friends, and supporters to help safeguard this legacy. Every donation, big or small, will support the preservation and digitisation of the collection, and the future expansion of the museum. This, in turn, will ensure that Gatton’s story - a country Queensland story - continues to inform and inspire.