Information

The Great Depression of the 1930s, followed by the post-World War II housing shortage, led to a number of unofficial ‘homeless camps’ being established around Brisbane. One such in the Ekibin area had as many as 600 families living there at one time. By 1954 that number had decreased to 148 as many of the huts there had been demolished and the residents moved into housing commission homes. Even then, there were still between 300-500 children accommodated in a State and a convent school in the camp. Many of the people were squatting in a former military hospital. This dilapidated camp was bulldozed shortly afterwards and the remaining residents were re-located.

Citations

Michael Aird, 2001, Brisbane Blacks Southport: Keeaira Press, p. 28; Sunday Mail, 1 August 1954.

Image Citations

New housing at Holland Park, 1954. Brisbane City Council. Brisbane Images. Record number. BCC-B54-5074.

Map References

Qimagery. Brisbane City Council Series 1946. Scale: 1:15,900.