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Members of the Coopers Plains Local History Group, like a number of other community groups, use the Coopers Plains Municipal Library as their work base and storage site. In June 1989, a public meeting was held to float the idea of forming a local history group, and from early in 1990 this group formed and has been functioning since.

 

The members of this group, over the years, have gathered information, photographs, maps and oral histories of Coopers Plains, Salisbury, Rocklea, Acacia Ridge and Archerfield – the five Brisbane suburbs that now make up the original Cowper’s Plains. The Brisbane suburbs of Robertson and Macgregor were added to the CPLHG’s areas of interest in 2011.

A number of books and booklets on these suburbs have been compiled and an ever growing collection of the area’s past is maintained in the Coopers Plains Library.

 
The Local Area Collection in the library gives public access to some of the Coopers Plains Local History Group’s collection and a display case within the library helps create public interest in the history of the local area.Members of the CPLHG assist local schools, community groups and researchers upon request. If our members can assist with the history of these areas, please make contact.

 
During 2011 the Coopers Plains Local History Group began to increase their use and access to electronic databases and internet technologies. Monthly CPLHG Newsletters are now emailed out to those with internet linkages and a CPLHG website and scanning of photographs and documents, a long term process, are underway.

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Publications

A Closer Look at Coopers Plains coverA Closer Look at Coopers Plains 2nd Edition

More than 15 years of research and gathering has resulted in this comprehensive, roughly chronological record of Coopers Plains. The Coopers Plains information from the 1st Edition of A Closer Look at Coopers Plains has been incorporated into this 2nd Edition. Both books were written by Beryl Roberts on behalf of the Coopers Plains Local History Group.

Cost: $20 plus $8 postage.

A Closer Look at Salisbury and Nathan HeightsA Closer Look at Salisbury and Nathan Heights

Extensive research and inquiry has resulted in a fascinating look into the development of the Brisbane suburb of Salisbury and the neighbouring locality of Nathan Heights. Trace the development of this area from pre-settlement times to the 21st Century. Written by Beryl Roberts on behalf of the Coopers Plains Local History Group.

Cost: $12 plus $8 postage.

Robertson book coverA History of the Brisbane Suburb of Robertson

Explore this suburban history from its farming era through to the modern residential development of the suburb of Robertson. There is much to know about Dr William Nathaniel Robertson, Edward Troughton and a number of significant early farming families of this precinct. This suburb was part of Sunnybank often referred to as the ‘Fruit Salad Bowl of Brisbane’ from the early 1920s through to the 1960s. So where did all of those fruit trees go?

Cost: $10 plus $8 postage.

Heritage & Catchment Walks coverHeritage and Catchment Walks in: Coopers Plains, Eight Mile Plains, Macgregor, Nathan, Robertson, Runcorn, Sunnybank.

This booklet contains seven separate walking trails created in circuits. Park the car, get off the train or bus, take yourself on a walk and return to the starting point. It’s easy! While you undertake some exercise, find out about the catchment and historical aspects of the local area that you have chosen to explore. Have Fun!

Cost: $10 plus $8 postage.

Sunnybank-Runcorn Heritage Trail coverSunnybank – Runcorn Heritage Trail

This detailed 20 page potted history reveals insights into the past in the southern Brisbane suburbs of Coopers Plains, Sunnybank, Sunnybank Hills, Runcorn, Upper Mount Gravatt, Macgregor and Robertson. The way to use this booklet best is to get in a car and drive the route stopping at various points to fully take in the history of the local area trail.

Cost: $3 plus $3 postage.