Early in 1948 the Central Highlands of Queensland was abuzz with excitement. An organisation known as the Queensland British Food Corporation (QBFC) had formed to begin farming on a massive scale.

Prickly pear jelly

Recipe for Prickly pear jelly

Pick prickly pears when deep purple. Use LONG BBQ tongs to pick and long sleeves to protect against cactus thorns. Half of a large grocery bag is enough to start with. Wash pears well - hold each pear with tongs (NOT fingers). Cut in half with sharp scissors. Fill a large pan no more than half full. Cover with water and boil until pears are soft and mushy. Run the pears through a ricer, food mill or force them through a sieve. Strain juice through cheesecloth.

25 October 2010
25 October 2010

For Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, everything in the landscape has its place of importance according to spiritual beliefs systems, and knowledge of this has been handed down orally

'Sweet Potato Casserole' c1961, a recipe found in Angel Rendle-Short’s notebooks, 2006. Collection of Francesca Rendle-Short. 'Sweet Potato Casserole', from Golden Circle tropical recipe book, c1960.

Copyright © Collection of Francesca Rendle-Short and © Collection of the Centre for the Government of Queensland

'Curried Pineapple Sausages' c1981, a recipe from the author’s collection. 'Pineapple Fruit Cake', a recipe from the collection of Stephen Cassidy.

Copyright © Collection of Francesca Rendle-Short and Copyright © Collection of Stephen Cassidy

Chinese restaurant, Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, slide by Robin Barron, 1969. Collection of the Centre for the Government of Queensland

Serviette from the Elite Cafe, Bundaberg run by Lathouras Bros, c1940. The serviette advertised 'Dainty Refreshments, Pure Fruit Drinks and Malted Milk (All Flavours)' and was typical of the Greek Cafes found in every Queensland town. Collection of the Centre for the Government of Queensland.

Toowoomba, Cunnamulla, Maryborough, Muttaburra ... from busy coastal cities to one-street settlements in the far west and tropical north, every town in Queensland had a Greek café.

Our cover shows Gold Coast holiday-makers lunching in luxury beside a hotel swimming-pool, cover image Walkabout, June 1963. Copyright Collection of the Centre for the Government of Queensland
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