QSA Talk: Warders, Wives and Children—The families of the St Helena Island Penal Establishment
Date: Thursday 25 June 2026
Time: 11am–1pm AEST
Location: Queensland State Archives, 435 Compton Road, Runcorn
Cost: Free
Description:
Presented in partnership with the Harry Gentle Research Centre, Griffith University, this QSA Talk explores the untold stories of the families who lived on St Helena Island during its time as a penal establishment.
St Helena Island (known as Noogoon by the Quandamooka people) operated as an all-male prison 1867–1932, housing some of the country’s most notorious criminals. However, the island also was home to the wives, children, and siblings of prison staff.
Researcher and Harry Gentle Visiting Research Fellow, Belinda Daly, will share her findings on the 47 families who lived as part of the warder’s community.
Her talk will uncover the challenges these women and children faced and bring their lives into the spotlight.
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