VICTORIA Point State High School students are delving into the past in an innovative project that is bringing local history to life and connecting young people with the stories of their own community.
The initiative, titled Discover the Stories Beneath Our Streets, encourages students to explore the rich and often overlooked history of the Redlands through hands-on research and community engagement.
The program was inspired by a simple question posed by teacher Ms Horner while walking through Victoria Point:
“Why is there an old German-style cottage on Point O’Halloran Rd?”
That moment of curiosity sparked a broader inquiry into the layers of history embedded in the Redlands landscape.
Grounded in an “Empathy to Impact” approach, the project encourages students to begin as listeners and learners – developing understanding of diverse perspectives – before taking meaningful action.
Across two terms, students from Years 7-10 are investigating how the Redlands has changed over time, exploring Quandamooka Country, early European settlement, agriculture and industry, migration and community life, and environmental change.
Unlike traditional classroom units, the project is largely student-led, with participants shaping their own learning journeys.
Students generate their own focus questions, conduct research using primary and secondary sources, analyse historical photographs and maps, select significant locations, collect artefacts, and ultimately design a community walking tour to showcase their findings.
Year 8 student Malachi, who recently moved to the area, said the project had helped him feel more connected to his new home.
“I like history,” he said.
“I moved into the Redlands recently and want to know more about where I live.”
He added that he is most looking forward to “going on excursions and getting out into the community”.
Fellow student Claire said learning about the history of Minjerribah had given her a deeper perspective on the region.
“Sometimes the past can predict the future,” she said.
Ellis also embraced the opportunity to explore local heritage.
“I like learning about where we live. The museum is awesome,” he said.
The school has also acknowledged the support of Redlands Museum, which has played a key role in helping students engage with historical materials and local knowledge.
Through the project, students are not only learning about history – they are becoming active participants in preserving and sharing it, ensuring stories of the Redlands continue to be discovered by future generations.
