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From Heritage to Higher Learning: Griffith University in Nathan Expands into Iconic Treasury Building

Griffith University in Nathan has announced a landmark expansion into Brisbane’s historic Treasury Building, a symbol of Queensland’s colonial past. The new campus, set to open in 2027, will breathe new life into the heritage-listed site, transforming it from a former seat of government and entertainment into a centre for education, business, and innovation.

The Star Entertainment Group previously occupied the campus. The new site will house Griffith University’s Business, Information Technology, and Law disciplines and postgraduate and executive education.

By 2035, the city campus will accommodate around 7,000 students and 200 staff.

A Glimpse into Queensland’s Past

The Treasury Building, an iconic structure in Brisbane, has long been a symbol of Queensland’s political and financial history.

Griffith University — *Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons*

Constructed in stages between 1886 and 1928, the building was initially designed as the headquarters for the Queensland Government’s Treasury Department. Its Italian Renaissance architectural style, with arched windows, elaborate cornices, and grand facades, made it a hallmark of colonial power and wealth. The Treasury Building was at the center of Queensland’s administrative life for much of the 20th century, housing government offices, including the Premier’s Department.

The building’s significance extends beyond its function as a government hub. It has witnessed key moments in Queensland’s history, from political debates to public protests on its steps. Following the government’s relocation in the late 20th century, the Treasury Building underwent a major transformation when The Star Entertainment Group repurposed it as a hotel complex in the 1990s.

Now, as Griffith University prepares to take up residence, the building will enter a new phase in its life, transitioning from a space of governance and entertainment to a centre for higher education.

A Hub for Industry and Community Engagement

Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans said the new Brisbane campus would enhance the University’s connections with industry and the broader community.

“The Brisbane CBD campus will deliver an entirely new experience for students, staff, and partners alike,” Professor Evans said. She emphasised that the campus will serve as a “front door” for partnerships with commerce, industry, and government.

“This flagship location will not only complement our existing South Bank campus but will enhance Griffith’s profile both locally and globally,” she added, noting the University’s commitment to making the new site an iconic centre for education and collaboration.

Preserving History, Embracing the Future

The Treasury Building, a landmark in Queensland’s history, will be preserved as part of this project. Griffith University is dedicated to maintaining the building’s heritage elements while adapting it to meet modern educational needs.

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace, praised the development.

“The iconic Treasury Building is one of Queensland’s great landmarks and I’m thrilled that it’s going to be transformed into a place of learning.”

Daniel Finch, Chief Executive Officer of The Star Brisbane, expressed his confidence in Griffith University’s stewardship of the building.

“We are delighted to hand the baton to Griffith University, knowing the Treasury Building is in the safe hands of another proud Queenslander which respects its history as much as we have,” Finch said.

Accessible and Well-Connected Location

The Brisbane City campus will offer enhanced accessibility for students from across the South East region, with strong connections to Brisbane’s public transport network, including bus, train, and ferry services. International students are also expected to benefit from the prime location, offering easy access to the heart of the city, where they can live, work, and study.

Professor Evans noted the importance of the campus’ central location as Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympic Games, saying, “The CBD campus will solidify Griffith University’s presence on the global stage, attracting talent from around the world.”

Griffith University’s expansion into Brisbane’s CBD represents a major milestone, setting the stage for a world-class educational environment while maintaining the heritage and cultural significance of the historic Treasury Building.

Published 13-Oct-2024

Institute for Glycomics receives grant to go global with world-first drug

Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics has received a Federal Government grant to partner with China to create a world-first drug to treat children infected with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) across Asia-Pacific.
General Manager of the Institute for Glycomics Dr Chris Davis was among the 38 researchers and commercialisation professionals across Australia who would each receive $7000 in Priming Grants.
Dr Chris Davis.
Local MP for Moncrieff Steven Ciobo met with Dr Davis at the Gold Coast campus in recognition of the funding announcement.
Dr Davis said the Priming Grant was essential to building people-to-people links and developing their product.
“Networking is essential in China and this grant enables me to travel to Chengdu and create relationships with businesses who will be able to commercialise the project,” Dr Davis said.
“HFMD is a widespread virus across the Asia-Pacific region, causing death and an economic burden, so there is high demand for a drug which will

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Creative passion for writing leads to journalism career

Journalist Kristy Muir always had a passion for writing coupled with a curious nature, but never thought she could make money from being creative.
A circuitous route to university, she left school at 16 at the start of year 12 before working for a couple of years in retail, hospitality and hairdressing.
“I then thought I should complete my schooling with the goal of enrolling at university and moving into a professional career,’’ she says.
Although making it into her first preference program in education, she deferred for a year to travel. When she returned from backpacking solo through Europe, taking photos, meeting amazing people and writing about her experiences, she decided she wanted to be a journalist.
Once she moved across into a Bachelor of Journalism, she was firmly on course to utilise her inherent creativity and build a career in her chosen profession.
“There were so many things I loved about my degree. The

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Oh Carol! What a job you’re doing!

Dedicated and passionate Gumurrii Learning Assistance Officer (LAO) Carol Edwards is inspiring Griffith University (GU) Indigenous students to achieve academic success.
Edwards, mother of two and grandmother of three, a descendant of the Turrbal people commenced working at the GU Indigenous Support Unit Gumurrii in 2012.
In 2017 Gumurrii, with Edwards assistance, helped 137 indigenous students graduate, covering all disciplines including medicine.
Her devotion to students is legendary among both Gumurrii and the broader university community.
“Seeing and helping people achieve their goals academically and in their personal lives is what motivates me” Edwards said.
While Edwards is required to work the general business hours, her commitment sees her work outside these hours to provide both academic and emotional support to students.
Gumurrii Co-worker LAO Donald Martin who works closely with Edwards is in awe of her ability to guide and help students.
“Her best quality is her student focused understanding of the issues around learning and

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Technologising the poor: Cashless Debit Card trials expanding despite no credible evidence for positive outcomes

By Dr Shelley Bielefeld
Senior Lecturer
Griffith Law School
Australia’s social security system has undergone significant change in recent years, where the poor are increasingly subject to technologically enhanced oversight. The Cashless Debit Card (CDC) is part of this trend. The CDC was triggered by a recommendation in the 2014 Forrest Review, purportedly to address alcohol addiction, substance abuse and gambling issues.
Under the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Debit Card Trial) Act 2015 (Cth), the objectives the CDC are to: reduce the amount of cash ‘available to be spent on alcoholic beverages, gambling and illegal drugs’, ‘determine whether such a reduction decreases violence or harm in trial areas’, ‘determine whether such arrangements are more effective when community bodies are involved’, and ‘encourage socially responsible behaviour’. Eighty per cent of a person’s regular social security payment is quarantined on the CDC, which can be spent at limited retail outlets and service providers.
The CDC was introduced

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Geo-demographic paper fetches Griffith trio top honour

A trio of Griffith University academics have been awarded a high honour for their collaborative work on a research paper.
Head of Aviation Associate Professor Gui Lohmann, Dr Barbara Yen from the School of Engineering and Built Environment, and Dr Abraham Leung (all of whom are members of Griffith’s Cities Research Institute) were bestowed the Martin Oppermann Memorial Award for the Best Article of the Year 2017 for their paper “Why passengers’ geo-demographic characteristics matter to airport marketing”, which was published in the Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing.
The research was the result of Griffith’s long-term collaboration with Queensland Airport Ltd (QAL) and combined a large survey sample with data from the ABS census to reveal distinctive contrasts in passenger origin location for short-haul domestic trips and long-haul international trips, in which passengers from afar were willing to travel longer distances to reach a second-tier airport to make use of cheaper

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Orchestral career is all about the bass for Jeremy

The double bass is the largest of all the stringed instruments in the orchestra, with its rich, mellifluous tones underpinning some of the finest classical music ever written. Legendary composers such as Brahms, Mahler and Stravinsky, for example, embraced the majesty of the double bass in many of their most feted works.
All of which is good musical news for Queensland Conservatorium alumnus and double bassist Jeremy Watt, who since graduating from Griffith University has forged an impressive international musical career.
As a freelance musician based in London, Jeremy has performed with ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He recently returned from touring China with the London Symphony Orchestra, the ensemble including another Griffith University graduate in principal trumpet David Elton. Next up, Jeremy will begin a full-time role as Sub Principal Double Bass in the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
“I first heard the double

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Global vision drives Jon’s foundation for social good

Norwegian-born Jon Andre Pedersen admits he was looking for change and inspiration after not making the most of his high school years. Australia loomed as the place he might find new direction, and Griffith University has played a vital part in the career that has ensued.
Since graduating in 2015 with a double degree in International Business and International Relations, Jon has pursued several business avenues – particularly startups and social ventures – in Asia. This has culminated in his role as co-founder and board member of the Hong Kong-based Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI), fostering social innovation and entrepreneurship.
“I’m curious about how the world really functions and for years had imagined myself working in a global context,” says Jon. “At FSI, we help talented, socially minded people get their big ideas off the ground, and we help scale existing social business. Overall, our goal is to create an ecosystem for

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World-renowned political professor to speak at Griffith workshop

An award-winning expert in conservative and right-wing politics will explore the rise and growth of populism at a Griffith University event in Brisbane this week.
Professor Tim Bale – the author of several books on contemporary European politics, and Professor of Politics at London’s Queen Mary University – will give the keynote address at the Populist and Mainstream Parties Workshop on Wednesday 18 July.
In what will be a wide-ranging, insightful examination of one of international politics’ most topical issues, Professor Bale will canvass the question of whether and how conventional politics has helped, and continues to help, enable the populist wave washing across the world.
“Not only is Tim one of the foremost experts in his field, but he’s one of the most captivating presenters I’ve seen,” Professor Duncan McDonnell, of Griffith Business School’s School of Government and International Relations, said.
“As the author or co-author of more than 60 publications since 2008,

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Griffith artist debuts new work at Liverpool Biennial

Queensland College of Art PhD candidate Dale Harding has unveiled a stunning new work at the Tate Liverpool, as part of the tenth Liverpool Biennial.
Dale joins more than 40 artists from 22 countries at the UK’s largest contemporary art festival, which opened over the weekend and attracts more than a million visitors during its 15 week run.
Dale was commissioned to create a stunning wall composition at the Tate Liverpool, as part of a group exhibition of First Nations and Aboriginal artists.
The large-scale mural has garnered rave reviews, with The Sunday Times singling it out for mention, calling it “a striking piece… inspired by the rock art of his ancestors”.
Dale created the piece by by blowing colour on to the walls of the gallery, using a vibrant ultramarine pigment in place of traditional rock ochres. The blue pigment is made from a powdered laundry detergent, Reckitt’s Blue, which was produced in the

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