Joy Ardill discusses how she became active in the Gold Coast Central Branch of the Australian Labor Party in 1969, and describes the activities of that branch.
David Williams recalls writing consultant reports for the state government after his return to work in Queensland, including an independent review into the cancelled A1 Grand Prix car race on the Gold Coast in 2009. He comments on how his background as a senior executive in the public service assisted him in writing such reviews.
David Williams details how major events help locations to refashion their image and rejuvenate infrastructure. He cites Brisbane's example in discussing changes underway in both Glasgow and the Gold Coast in preparation for hosting the Commonwealth Games. He adds that the Gold Coast faces particular challenges to incorporate cultural elements into its Games program.
David Williams describes how governments use events and tourism campaigns to shape public perceptions of particular places. He notes the growth of intense competition between cities and states to attract events that help create a certain image of different locations. He reflects on the short and long-term economic benefits of hosting events and attracting tourists, and how political leaders have used this to the state's advantage.
David Williams talks about his role as head of the Queensland Events Corporation, including how he dealt with lobbying by interest groups from different parts of the state. He mentions the secrecy of some of the agency's negotiations in the competitive arena of events bidding and planning, and how some events were 'poached' from other states. He also discusses the agency's funding arrangements and budgetary planning for events such as the Indy car race.
Wallace Trohear discusses his career with the BWIU including his role as Education Officer, which he was appointed to in 1977, and as an Organiser from 1980.
Peter Andrews describes hearing a radio interview in 1988 with Professor Don Watts, the inaugural Vice-Chancellor of Bond University, and deciding he wanted to be involved in the country's first privately-owned university. He tells how he moved to Queensland shortly afterwards to become the first Dean of Science and Technology at Bond University.
Sallyanne Atkinson discusses her childhood and education, and states she was born in Sydney in 1942 after her mother had been evacuated from Colombo. She describes her peripatetic childhood and her education at a range of institutions before the family eventually moved to Southport in Queensland where she finished her education at St Hilda's in Southport before studying at the University of Queensland.
