Celebrate Living History

Lights, Camera, Community!

Did you know that Sandgate in Queensland once had a thriving cinema culture?

From the early picture shows at the Old Town Hall to open-air theatres on the waterfront, grand movie houses like Bon Accord, The Strand, The Beach Theatre and the Mayfair, generations of locals gathered to laugh, cry, dream and connect through film.

More recently, the Sandgate Cinema Club carried on this tradition, bringing affordable films, community screenings and the Sandgate Film Gala to local audiences. Sadly, the club's activities came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic and have yet to return.

Beyond entertainment, cinema has always been about connection. It gives us stories to share, conversations to have, and a place where people from all walks of life can come together. For many, community film events provided friendship, inclusion and a sense of belonging.

Today, while Sandgate no longer has its own cinema, its rich film history remains an important part of the suburb's story.

📽️ Read Isabelle Drake's fascinating exploration of Sandgate's cinematic past and discover the theatres, characters and community spirit that once lit up the silver screen.

https://celebratelivinghistory.com/industry-history-sandgate-queensland-australia/

We are thrilled to welcome Isabelle Drake from Griffith University to Celebrate Living History!

Isabelle is passionate about journalism as a powerful tool for education — a way to communicate the stories of important events, places, people and ideas that shape who we are. What drew her to Celebrate Living History was our commitment to preserving and sharing local history — the stories that live in our own communities.

Her passion deepened after a university assessment exploring the significance of a local lagoon to First Nations people and its vital role in supporting internationally migrating seabirds. That experience opened her eyes to the importance of community education and awareness — especially around Indigenous histories and the impacts of colonisation.

For Isabelle, learning about and respecting cultures and environments beyond her own isn’t just academic — it’s a core value she carries daily. She believes storytelling can help bridge knowledge gaps and foster understanding.

Isabelle also draws inspiration from Johnnie Gill, whose life is shared in the book Who Was Johnnie Wheels?. Despite a life-changing spinal injury as a child in the 1860s, Johnnie defied the social prejudices of his time. He taught himself to repair clocks and sewing machines, invented his own way to move independently, ran a successful sheep shearing business, earned his own income, and even married — forcing a society that often erased people with disabilities to acknowledge his skill, determination and humanity.

And if she could time travel? Isabelle would flip a coin between two fascinating eras — the Victorian period, to better understand its profound social and cultural influence (particularly on women’s history), or ancient Alexandria before the destruction of the Great Library, to immerse herself in the knowledge, arts and cultures of the ancient world.

We are so excited to have Isabelle’s thoughtful voice and curiosity contributing to Celebrate Living History. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!

Sometimes life’s best moments happen when you least expect them — like the day Traff and Brianna finally crossed paths!

They grew up just minutes apart in the Blue Mountains — Brianna in Tregear, Traff in Ropes Crossing — yet somehow never met, even though their families moved in the same circles!

Then, one ordinary day at The Bavarian, fate (and his unstoppable nana) stepped in, and suddenly the universe decided it was time. ✨

What started with an awkward first encounter — Traff’s initial brush-off and his nan playing matchmaker — turned into a friendship, then a date, and then a moment they’ll never forget. Their first kiss in the mountains, the car that broke down right after, and the countless laughs in between — every step brought them here.

And then… in a beautiful Japanese forest on 20/02/2024, Traff asked the best question ever: “Will you marry me?” 💍 Brianna’s reaction may have been a little chaotic, but the answer was a big YES!

These lovebirds aren’t rushing the wedding — they’re living, exploring, and loving every moment along the way. Here’s to the right place, the right time, and an unforgettable us.

We had a bit of a play, and we think this is a pretty accurate photo of our founder, Bev, and her passion for stories!

She truly loves writing, listening, and mentoring our interns — that’s where her heart is. 💛

What she loves most about Celebrate Living History is that it opens up conversations and makes people feel valued and important. Everyone has a story worth sharing, whether big or small.

Hard to believe CLH has been running since 2012! Bev truly loves what she does, and she feels so grateful to be part of something so meaningful.

It’s always so lovely receiving wonderful feedback from our interns. It’s been an absolute pleasure having you with Celebrate Living History, Brianna — we’ve truly enjoyed seeing your personality shine through in your stories!

All the very best with the rest of your degree, and I’m sure you’ll do amazing things.

Our intern Brianna chatted to her mum about her life story and what she has achieved so far at the age of 45.

45 years young.
45 years strong.
45 years of memories worth celebrating. 💛

From growing up in Warwick Farm, Lansvale, Coffs Harbour and Cartwright, to muddy adventures, Tarzan swings, beach days, camping trips and a childhood full of freedom — Mum’s story is a reminder that the best memories aren’t always the shiny ones… they’re the real ones.

It’s a story of strong women, hardworking parents, fearless exploration, and a childhood where being a kid truly meant being free. Looking back now at 45, Mum realises that everything her parents gave her — even if it wasn’t expensive or perfect — was exactly what she needed.

When asked what she’d say to her younger self, her answer was simple, powerful, and something we all need to hear:
“Don’t forget who you are.”

Because sometimes, the key to who we are now… is remembering who we were then. 💫

https://celebratelivinghistory.com/mums-story-looking-back-on-her-childhood-at-45-years-old/

📝 Read the full story via the link in our bio

Our intern Brianna Lane asks this simple but powerful question:

What does the New Year mean to you?

For many, New Year’s isn’t just about fireworks and countdowns — it’s a moment of reflection, gratitude and fresh beginnings. It gives us a chance to think about the year that’s passed, the memories we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned, and the stories we’ll carry forward.

Whether it’s a quiet moment with a loved one, a joyful celebration with family and friends, or a ritual that’s been shared for generations, this time of year invites each of us to reflect on what matters most.

Some see it as:
• A chance to let go of the past
• An opportunity to set intentions
• A time to reconnect with traditions and loved ones
• Or simply a moment to appreciate being here — together

We’d love to hear from YOU — what does New Year mean to you? Drop your thoughts and traditions in the comments below! 💬👇

https://celebratelivinghistory.com/new-years-what-does-it-mean-to-you/

Our intern Brianna Lane asked a simple but powerful question:
“What does Christmas mean to you?” 🎄

Christmas looks different for everyone — family, faith, food, gifts, or quiet moments.

But if there’s one thing we can all agree on:
✨ Kindness should never be optional ✨

This season, slow down. Help someone. Be patient.
Christmas can be joyful for some and hard for others — kindness is the minimum we can give.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Read Brianna’s full story here:

What does Christmas mean to you? - Celebrate Living History By Brianna Lane When you think about Christmas, what does it mean to you? Is it a present? Family? Trifle? Well, I’ve gone ahead and asked. I surveyed people to see what Christmas meant to them. “Christmas is family time! […]

It’s that time of year again… Christmas cheer, family time, and yes — trifle time!

Our intern Brianna Lane is sharing her family’s festive recipe — one that embraces every sweet ingredient you can imagine, with absolutely no judgement for going back for seconds!

Want to try it yourself? Click the link below to read her recipe.

https://celebratelivinghistory.com/its-christmas-time-or-should-i-saytrifle-time/

Have you ever looked back on days you once thought were too ordinary to matter… only to realise they were the ones that stayed with you the most?
Those quiet mornings, familiar routines, the gentle presence of someone you loved the moments you never thought to write down.

Our latest story by Brianna Lane beautifully captures this feeling. She reflects on the everyday moments she shared with her great-grandparents, the memories that didn’t seem diary-worthy at the time but have become some of the most precious ones she carries today.

It’s a reminder that our stories aren’t made only from big events, but from the simple days that shape us without us even realising.

Read Brianna’s full story here: https://bit.ly/48A1fiU

If it resonates with you, we’d love to hear:
What “ordinary” memory from your childhood or your loved ones do you treasure today?