ACA Queensland Branch go to Gaol!
The Boggo Road Gaol hosted Queensland corrosionists and partners on the 5th December. Members travelled from the Gold Coast and Townsville to enjoy an unusual setting.
The historic landmark dominated the Brisbane skyline for many years. It was in operation for 109 years transitioning from remand, short-term to maximum security and finally a woman’s prison. It was also where executions took place of some of Queensland’s most notorious criminals.
Against this backdrop the guests were treated to a guided tour, examining cell block two, hearing stories of how the inmates lived (and died). The small cells were at one stage used to house 3 prisoners, with only one bed, one latrine bucket and very little else between. Making it harder still, there was neither heating nor cooling to ease their stay in the depths of winter and the sticky heat of summer.
The graffiti on the lead paint covered walls was a veritable time capsule of anger, sorrow and angst.
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As the guests settled down to their dinner, Nick Doblo, the Branch president thanked the sizeable crowd of 61 for attending and a special thank you went to John Triebe for organising the event and Graeme and Allison Kelly for the decorations.
An added bonus was a late tour of the darkened gaol with its “ghosts” for those brave enough to venture back into the cell blocks later that night.
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Author: Wayne Thompson